The phone number 0417 496 365 has recently been flagged by users who have received suspicious messages, indicating it is part of a targeted phishing scam. A report from a user on 09 June 2024 highlighted an unsolicited text message received at an inconvenient hour, 2.17 am, claiming that Coles points would expire unless a link was followed. The user, however, confirmed they had no accounts or points accrued with Coles, raising immediate red flags about this communication.
This clear indication of a phishing scam aims to trick unsuspecting individuals into providing sensitive information or clicking on malicious links. Phishing scams often masquerade as legitimate communications from well-known companies to elicit trust and prompt recipients to engage with the scammer’s content without cautious consideration.
To better understand the risks associated with this number, we can classify 0417 496 365 as follows:
- Type: Phishing scam via SMS
- Nature of the Scam: Unsolicited texts claiming false benefits (e.g., loyalty points) to extract personal information.
For anyone receiving a message from this number, it is crucial to remain vigilant and avoid engaging in any way. Here are some practical tips on how to handle such calls or texts:
- Do Not Respond: Ignoring the message is the simplest and safest response.
- Do Not Click Links: Avoid clicking on any links provided in unsolicited messages, as they may lead to phishing websites designed to steal your personal information.
- Report the Number: Report the number to appropriate authorities or platforms, such as Scamwatch or your phone service provider.
To sum up, if you encounter 0417 496 365, treat it with caution; it is a fraudulent number associated with phishing attempts. Furthermore, using resources like Reverseau or conducting a reverse phone lookup in Australia can aid in identifying the legitimacy of unknown calls or texts. Stay safe and protect your personal information from prying hands!