0412 179 217 - Scam Alert: MyGov Phishing Scam

• Scam

Learn about the phone number 0412 179 217, which has been reported as a scam associated with MyGov phishing attempts. Find out how to handle calls or messages from this number.

Understanding the Threat from 0412 179 217

The phone number 0412 179 217 / 0412179217 has recently raised considerable alarm among Australian users, being labelled as a scam. Based on user reports, this number is linked to fraudulent messages claiming to be from myGov, warning unsuspecting individuals of urgent actions required regarding their tax information.

The Nature of the Scam

This specific scam falls under the category of phishing. Scammers often impersonate legitimate services to extract sensitive personal information or gain access to accounts. The messages allegedly sent from 0412 179 217 / 0412179217 purport to be alerts from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) notifying recipients of new messages in their myGov inbox or instructing them to reconnect their accounts. These text messages often include misleading URLs that appear real but are designed to harvest personal information from naïve users.

User Experience and Concerns

• On 4 February 2023, a user reported receiving a message from this number indicating that there was a new Income Tax message in their myGov inbox. This prompted immediate suspicion due to the known tactics used by scammers.
• Another report on 6 February 2023 echoed similar concerns, with a message claiming their myGov account was disabled and requesting a dubious link to be followed to restore access. Users reported that such links lead to illegitimate websites, which is a clear indication of fraudulent intentions.

How to Handle Calls or Messages from This Number

To protect yourself from the risks associated with this number:

• Do not engage or respond to the message. Scammers often escalate their attempts when they see a reply.
• Do not click on any links provided in the message, as they may lead to phishing websites designed to steal your personal information.
• If you receive a call from this number, ignore it. Legitimate organisations like myGov will not ask you to verify sensitive information via SMS or unknown links.
• Consider reporting the number to the relevant authorities, such as the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) or your local telecommunications provider.

In conclusion, the phone number 0412 179 217 / 0412179217 is widely regarded as a scam number, primarily associated with phishing attempts imitating myGov communications. Stay vigilant and employ reverse phone lookup tools such as Reverseau to identify callers and safeguard your personal information effectively.