- Suspicious
0410 962 252 (0410962252): SMS scam posing as condolence message with phishing links and requests for personal information.
Phishing and Personal Information Scam via 0410 962 252
One contributor has reported an SMS message from 0410 962 252 (also written as 0410962252) that attempted to manipulate them emotionally while requesting personal information. The message posed as a condolence for a deceased family member, but the contributor knew the family member mentioned was actually alive and well. The scammer had obtained real personal details about the recipient, lending the message false credibility, though it contained only commonly known names to add plausibility.
This hybrid attack combines emotional manipulation with phishing tactics. The contributor correctly identified the message as suspicious despite the inclusion of genuine personal details, indicating the scammer may have sourced information from public records, previous data breaches, or social media. The message from 0410962252 included a phishing link designed to capture additional personal information or credentials if clicked.
What the SMS from 0410 962 252 Contained
The message claimed to convey sympathies for a family member's passing and referenced real personal details about the recipient. However, the fabricated death claim combined with pressure to engage (implicit in condolence-style messaging) created urgency. The contributor noted that while some details were accurate, the overall premise was false, and the message included a link prompting further engagement.
This tactic exploits the natural human tendency to respond to messages about family crises. By including genuine personal information, the sender aimed to bypass initial scepticism. The phishing link embedded in the message would likely direct the recipient to a fake webpage designed to harvest login credentials, banking details, or other sensitive information.
Report Details and Mobile Provider Information
The SMS was received from a Vodafone Australia mobile number (0410 962 252). The contributor received this unsolicited message on 26 October 2025. The use of a legitimate mobile carrier adds another layer of credibility the scammer intended to exploit, though Vodafone mobile numbers are frequently spoofed or compromised by scammers.
What to Do If You Receive an SMS from 0410 962 252
If you receive a suspicious message from 0410 962 252:
- Do not: Click any links in the message, reply to the sender, or provide personal information
- Do not: Visit any website or app mentioned in the message
- Do: Block the number immediately in your phone settings
- Do: Delete the message without engaging
- Do: If the message references a real person or family event, verify directly by calling family members using a known phone number
- Do: Report the SMS as spam to your mobile provider (Vodafone in this case) by forwarding to 0429 999 888
- Do: Never assume an unsolicited message is legitimate even if it contains personal details
Why This Scam Works
Emotional manipulation combined with personal information is highly effective because it bypasses rational scepticism. Condolence messages create a sense of urgency and emotional distraction, making recipients less likely to question the sender's identity. The inclusion of real personal details-even if limited to common names-suggests the scammer has done research or obtained information from a data breach, which further convinces victims of legitimacy.
Messages from 0410962252 using this tactic rely on the recipient not immediately verifying the claim with family. By the time verification occurs, a victim may have already clicked the phishing link and compromised sensitive information.
How to Report 0410 962 252
If you receive a similar scam SMS from 0410 962 252 or any other number:
- Report to ACMA: Forward phishing SMS messages to 0429 999 888 and report the sender via the ACMA complaints portal at acma.gov.au
- Report to Scamwatch: Document the message content and report details at scamwatch.gov.au, including the exact message text and timestamp
- Report to ReportCyber: If you clicked the link or suspect a data breach, report to cyber.gov.au
- Block on Reverseau: Contribute your own experience on Reverseau to help other Australians identify this and similar scams
- Contact your provider: Notify Vodafone directly of the suspicious activity from 0410962252 to flag the account
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What Our Users Reviewed
Message posing as condolence for a family member who's fine, had real details but common names, definitely fishy
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WRITE A REVIEWFrequently Asked Questions
How did the scammer from 0410 962 252 know my personal details?
The contributor who reported 0410 962 252 noted the message included real details, but the scammer may have obtained this information from public records, social media profiles, previous data breaches, or purchased databases of personal information. Scammers often combine publicly available details with fabricated claims to increase credibility. Always verify unexpected news about family members directly before trusting any unsolicited message from 0410962252 or similar numbers.
What happens if I click a link in an SMS from 0410962252?
The link embedded in the message from 0410 962 252 likely directs to a fake website designed to capture your login credentials, banking details, or other sensitive information. If you clicked the link, you may have exposed yourself to identity theft or account compromise. Immediately change passwords for important accounts, monitor your credit report, and consider contacting your bank if you entered financial information.
Is 0410 962 252 definitely a scammer's number?
The Vodafone mobile number 0410 962 252 (0410962252) has one report of a phishing and personal information scam. However, mobile numbers can be spoofed, so the actual owner may not be responsible. Regardless, do not respond to or engage with the message. Block 0410 962 252 and report it to ACMA via SMS to 0429 999 888 so authorities can investigate.
Why use a family tragedy as a cover for this scam?
Emotional manipulation is one of the most effective scam tactics because it bypasses rational thinking. A message about a family member's death creates immediate emotional distress and urgency, making recipients less likely to question the sender's identity or verify the claim before clicking links. The contributor who reported 0410 962 252 was alert enough to recognise the inconsistency, but many people may not verify quickly enough.
Should I verify the story about the family member?
Yes, absolutely. If you receive a condolence message from 0410 962 252 or any unfamiliar number, immediately contact family members using phone numbers you already have stored (not ones provided in the suspicious message). This will quickly confirm whether the claim is genuine. Never click links or reply to messages from 0410962252 before verifying independently with people you trust.
What should I do if I already replied to or engaged with this SMS?
If you replied to the message from 0410 962 252, clicked the link, or provided any information, take these steps: change passwords for email, banking, and social media accounts; monitor your credit report; contact your bank to flag suspicious activity; and report the incident to ReportCyber at cyber.gov.au. The contributor's report about 0410962252 shows this is active scam activity, so swift action on your accounts is important.