- Scam
- Uncertain
- Unknown
- Suspicious
0411 990 196 (0411990196): Contributors report suspicious SMS messages instructing to delete stored messages, with one scam report involving link-to-website tactics.
SMS Scam Reports for 0411 990 196
Three contributors have reported suspicious SMS activity from 0411 990 196 (also written as 0411990196). The reports describe messages instructing recipients to delete stored messages from their phones, raising significant red flags for potential scam or malicious activity. One contributor specifically noted they received a large text from this number after reporting an issue to ANZ, and deliberately avoided opening it after checking online warnings about 0411 990 196.
The allocation data shows 0411990196 is registered as an Optus Mobile number, which scammers frequently spoof or misuse for SMS-based attacks. The pattern of messages instructing phone management actions is characteristic of scams designed to manipulate users into taking steps that compromise their device security or privacy.
What Messages from 0411 990 196 Contain
Contributors reported receiving SMS messages with alarming instructions to delete all stored messages from their phones. One contributor described the message from 0411 990 196 as a "large text" that appeared suspicious enough to avoid opening entirely. Another reported needing five separate attempts to remove a single message, suggesting either persistent delivery or difficulty dismissing the content.
The one scam-classified report indicated the SMS from 0411 990 196 contained a link-to-website tactic, linking the message to external content. This is particularly concerning because clicking such links can expose your phone to malware, credential theft, or further social engineering attempts. A contributor who had recently reported an issue to ANZ received a message from this number, suggesting possible data breach or list targeting.
Report Timeline and Pattern
The three reports about 0411 990 196 span from March 2024 to July 2026, indicating ongoing activity from this number. The most recent scam report (July 2026) mentioned the large suspicious message arrived after the contributor had contacted ANZ, suggesting the number may be part of a broader campaign targeting banking customers. The consistency of the "delete messages" instruction across multiple reports suggests this is a coordinated scam pattern rather than isolated incidents.
What to Do If You Receive an SMS from 0411 990 196
If 0411 990 196 sends you an SMS message:
- Do not: Click any links in the message, reply to the SMS, or follow any instructions to delete messages or modify phone settings
- Do not: Open attachments or download content from the message
- Do: Delete the message immediately without opening it
- Do: Block 0411990196 in your phone's contacts to prevent further messages
- Do: If you've already clicked a link, monitor your accounts for unauthorised activity and consider changing passwords
- Do: Report the SMS to your mobile provider (Optus) and to Australian authorities
How to Report 0411 990 196
If you receive a scam or suspicious SMS from 0411 990 196, report it through multiple channels to help protect other Australians:
- Report to Scamwatch: Visit scamwatch.gov.au and lodge a detailed report describing the message content and any actions taken
- Report to ACMA: Forward the SMS to the Australian Communications and Media Authority at acma.gov.au, or report online about SMS scams and unsolicited messages
- Report to your bank: If the message references banking (as with the ANZ-related report), contact your bank directly using a number from their official website or card
- Report as spam to Optus: Contact your mobile provider to report the number and request blocking
- Report to ReportCyber: If you clicked a link or suspect malware, report to cyber.gov.au
- Contribute to Reverseau: Share your experience with 0411990196 to help warn other Australians in the community
Help others by sharing your experience with 0411 990 196!
WRITE A REVIEWRatings Distribution
What Our Users Reviewed
Scam, nuisance all the above. Sent me large text after I reported something else to ANZ. Did not open it as looked and saw warnings online about this number. Deleted large message with bothering to open as didn't recognise ph number.
Text saying delete all stored messages, took five attempts to remove it
Alarming SMS instructing to delete all stored messages from phone, might be scam or malicious
SMS telling me to delete all stored messages from my phone, seems suspicious and potentially harmful
Received ANZ credit card payment scam text from this number as the embedded reply / call number within the text.
Help others by sharing your experience with 0411 990 196!
WRITE A REVIEWFrequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I already clicked a link from 0411 990 196?
If you clicked a link in an SMS from 0411 990 196 (0411990196), take these steps: Stop using that device for sensitive activities, change passwords for your banking and email accounts from a different device, monitor your accounts closely for unauthorised transactions, and consider running a malware scan using reputable antivirus software. Report the incident to ReportCyber (cyber.gov.au) and to Scamwatch (scamwatch.gov.au) so authorities can track the scam campaign.
Why is 0411 990 196 sending me messages about deleting stored messages?
The instruction to delete stored messages in SMS from 0411990196 is a social engineering tactic designed to make you destroy evidence of the scam or remove security features from your phone. Scammers may also be attempting to prevent you from reviewing messages that would alert you to the fraud, or trying to disrupt communication if you attempt to report them. Never follow instructions from unknown numbers asking you to modify your phone settings or delete messages.
Is 0411 990 196 really from ANZ or my bank?
No. One contributor received an SMS from 0411 990 196 after reporting an issue to ANZ, but this number is not an official ANZ contact number. Scammers often time their messages to follow legitimate customer interactions, hoping you'll assume the SMS is from your bank. Always verify by calling your bank directly using the number on your card or their official website - never use a number provided in a suspicious SMS. Legitimate banks do not ask you to click links or delete messages.
What does 'link-to-website' mean in the 0411 990 196 scam report?
The SMS from 0411 990 196 contained a hyperlink directing recipients to an external website. Clicking such links can expose your phone to malware, fake login pages designed to steal credentials, or drive fraudulent charges. Even if the link appears to go to a legitimate institution, it may actually redirect to a scammer's phishing site. Never click links in unsolicited SMS messages, even if they appear to come from a familiar phone number like 0411990196.
How can I block 0411 990 196 on my phone?
On most Australian mobile phones (iPhone or Android), you can block 0411990196 by opening the message or call history, selecting the number 0411 990 196, and choosing 'Block' or 'Block Contact'. Your phone will then automatically reject future calls and messages from this number. You should also report the number to your mobile provider (Optus) and to Scamwatch (scamwatch.gov.au) so the broader community is alerted to the scam activity from 0411990196.
Why do scammers use Optus numbers like 0411 990 196?
Mobile numbers from major Australian providers like Optus appear legitimate and local, increasing the likelihood that recipients will answer or engage with the message. Scammers either spoof real Optus numbers or use stolen credentials to send messages. The 0411 number prefix is commonly associated with Optus mobile accounts. Just because 0411990196 appears on your screen does not mean it is a legitimate Optus customer or official representative - always verify independently before responding to any request.