- Scam
04 1813 9939 (0418139939): Scammer impersonates Optus, offers 50% discount, requests verification code via SMS. Potential phishing attempt.
Optus Impersonation Reports for 04 1813 9939
One contributor has reported a scam call from 04 1813 9939 (also written as 0418139939) impersonating Optus customer service. The caller used a thick accent and claimed to offer a 50% discount on the contributor's account, a tactic designed to lower the recipient's guard before requesting sensitive information.
The scammer's goal was to obtain a verification code via SMS, which would grant access to the contributor's Optus account. This is a phishing attempt - the code itself is valuable to scammers because it bypasses the two-factor authentication that protects online accounts from unauthorised access.
What the Caller from 04 1813 9939 Claimed
The caller impersonated an Optus representative and offered a 50% discount without the contributor requesting one. This unsolicited offer is a red flag - legitimate telcos do not cold call with surprise discounts. The caller then pivoted to requesting a text message code, the critical piece needed to access the account remotely.
The contributor noted the caller had a thick accent, which is often a sign of offshore call centre activity. While accent alone is not definitive, combined with the impersonation and code request, it strongly suggests fraudulent intent.
What to Do If You Receive a Call from 04 1813 9939
If 04 1813 9939 calls you:
- Do not: Provide any verification codes, PINs, passwords, or personal information. Do not text codes back to the caller, even if they claim to need them urgently.
- Do: Hang up immediately. If the caller claims to represent Optus, end the call and contact Optus directly using the phone number on your bill or the official Optus website.
- Do: Never use contact details the caller provides. Always initiate contact yourself using verified company phone numbers.
- Do: Block the number 0418139939 on your phone to prevent repeat calls.
What to Do If You Receive an SMS from 04 1813 9939
If you receive an SMS from 04 1813 9939 (or any unknown number claiming to be from Optus):
- Do not: Click any links in the message. Do not reply to the SMS.
- Do: Delete the message immediately.
- Do: Report the SMS as spam by forwarding it to 0429 999 888 (the Australian spam reporting number).
- Do: Block the number on your phone.
How to Report 04 1813 9939
If you receive calls or SMS from 04 1813 9939, report the activity to:
- Scamwatch: scamwatch.gov.au - the Australian government's fraud reporting service
- ACMA (Australian Communications and Media Authority): acma.gov.au - report illegal telemarketing and scam calls
- Your telco: Contact Optus directly to report the impersonation. They can investigate and take action against the scammer.
- Reverseau: Report this number on our platform to help other Australians identify and avoid similar scams.
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What Our Users Reviewed
pretended to be Optus, thick accent, offered 50% discount, wanted me to text a code
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WRITE A REVIEWFrequently Asked Questions
Why would a scammer ask for a verification code from 04 1813 9939?
A verification code (or 2FA code) is the final barrier protecting your online account. If a scammer has your username and password, the code is what stops them from logging in. By calling and impersonating Optus, they trick you into willingly providing this code. Once they have it, they can access your account, change your password, view your data, and make fraudulent charges. Never share verification codes with anyone, regardless of who claims to be calling.
Is 04 1813 9939 a real Optus number?
No. 04 1813 9939 (0418139939) is a mobile number, not an Optus customer service line. Optus customer service calls come from official numbers listed on your Optus bill or the Optus website. If you are unsure whether a call is legitimate, hang up and ring Optus directly using the contact number on your bill or their official website. Never use a phone number provided by the caller.
What should I do if I already gave a code to the caller from 0418139939?
Contact Optus immediately using the phone number on your bill or their official website. Explain that you may have given a verification code to a scammer. Optus can reset your account security, change your password, and monitor for unauthorised activity. Check your account for unfamiliar charges or changes. Also report the call from 04 1813 9939 to Scamwatch at scamwatch.gov.au.
Why did the caller mention a 50% discount?
The 50% discount offer is a social engineering tactic designed to make you trust the caller quickly. Legitimate companies do not call strangers with unsolicited discounts. By dangling this offer, the scammer lowers your defences so that when they ask for a verification code, you are more likely to comply. Unsolicited offers are almost always a scam signal.
Can I be charged for receiving a call from 04 1813 9939?
No. Receiving a call costs you nothing. However, if you engage with the scammer and they obtain access to your Optus account, they can rack up fraudulent charges on your account. Do not answer calls from unknown numbers like 0418139939, and if you do, hang up if the caller asks for personal information or verification codes.
Should I block 04 1813 9939 on my phone?
Yes. Blocking 0418139939 will prevent this number from calling you again. Use your phone's built-in block feature, or ask your telco (Telstra, Optus, Vodafone, etc.) for help blocking the number. If you receive calls from multiple similar numbers, report the pattern to ACMA at acma.gov.au.