- Uncertain
- Suspicious
Community reports for 0420 123 342 (0420123342) describe rapid-fire calls from sequential numbers with callback lure tactics. Contributors flag as scam activity.
Repeated Calls and Callback Lure Reports for 0420 123 342
Two contributors have flagged 0420 123 342 (also written as 0420123342) for suspicious calling patterns involving rapid sequential calls and callback lure tactics. The reports indicate a coordinated attack strategy where callers place multiple calls in quick succession from slightly varied numbers, all starting with the same 0420 123 prefix, designed to provoke a return call from the victim.
This pattern is characteristic of callback scams where criminals rely on recipients becoming frustrated enough to call back, enabling the scammer to control the conversation and extract personal or financial information. The use of sequential variations in the same number range suggests the caller is deliberately obscuring their identity by cycling through different numbers to make the scheme appear less obvious.
What Callers from 0420 123 342 Are Doing
A recent report describes receiving four separate calls from numbers all starting with 0420 123 *** within 30 minutes. The contributor noted the obvious nature of the tactic, describing the pattern as criminals calling back every 90 seconds from a "very slightly different number" to create a false impression of separate callers or organisations.
The rapid-fire approach suggests the scammer is testing whether the recipient will eventually answer or, more likely, become annoyed enough to call back out of frustration or curiosity. Contributors report flagging the calls as scam activity on their phones, with one noting they never answer unknown numbers but found this pattern particularly blatant.
Report Patterns and Call Timing
Both reports came in on the same day, with the repeated-call sequence occurring within a 30-minute window. The fact that multiple calls arrived in rapid succession from 0420123342 variants suggests this is an active campaign. One contributor received the calls while already suspicious and refused to engage, while another's phone system flagged the activity as scam behaviour before the recipient even had to make a decision.
What to Do If You Receive Calls from 0420 123 342
If 0420 123 342 or similar numbers starting with 0420 123 call you:
- Do not: Answer the call, return the call, or engage with the caller in any way
- Do not: Provide any personal information, including your name, date of birth, address, or financial details
- Do: Let the call go to voicemail and do not listen to any message left
- Do: Block 0420 123 342 and any similar numbers starting with 0420 123 *** immediately
- Do: If multiple calls arrive in quick succession, treat this as a major red flag for callback lure scams
- Do: Report the number to your phone provider and to the authorities
How to Report 0420 123 342
If you receive calls from 0420 123 342 (0420123342) or suspect you are being targeted by a callback lure scam:
- Report to the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) via acma.gov.au for telecommunications scams
- Report to Scamwatch at scamwatch.gov.au with details of the calls and any claims made
- Report to ReportCyber at cyber.gov.au if you believe this is part of a broader cybercrime scheme
- Block the number on your phone and mark as spam to prevent future contact
- Share your experience on Reverseau to help warn other Australians about 0420 123 342
Help others by sharing your experience with 0420 123 342!
WRITE A REVIEWRatings Distribution
What Our Users Reviewed
Flagged by phone as a scam call, don't answer.
Received 4 calls from slightly different numbers all starting with 0420 123 *** in under half an hour, phone is ringing again right now. I never answer numbers not in my contacts list but this is so obviously criminals it's ridiculous. Who's supposed to be fooled by this? "Hmm, they're onto us... Better call back 90 seconds later from a very slightly different number, so there's no possible way they can figure out the connection."
Help others by sharing your experience with 0420 123 342!
WRITE A REVIEWFrequently Asked Questions
Why would scammers call from 0420 123 342 multiple times in rapid succession?
This is a callback lure tactic. By calling from 0420 123 342 and similar sequential variations repeatedly in short intervals, scammers hope you'll become frustrated or curious enough to call back. Once you call back, they control the conversation and can manipulate you into revealing personal information or sending money. The scammer benefits from you initiating contact rather than them having to trick you into answering.
Should I ever call back a number like 0420 123 342 that keeps calling me?
No. Never call back 0420 123 342 or any unknown number that repeatedly calls you. This is exactly what scammers want. If a legitimate organisation needs to reach you, they will identify themselves clearly on the first call, leave a voicemail with specific details, and contact you through official channels. Repeatedly calling from 0420123342 variants is a hallmark of scam activity, not legitimate business.
What does it mean when the same number calls from slightly different variations like 0420 123 ***?
When calls come from 0420 123 342 and then 0420 123 343, 0420 123 344, etc., it indicates deliberate obfuscation. The scammer is using different numbers from the same range to make it appear as though multiple organisations or people are trying to reach you. This tricks some people into thinking there's genuine urgency. In reality, it's all one scammer cycling through sequential numbers to manipulate you into calling back.
How should I block calls from 0420 123 342 and similar numbers?
Most modern phones allow you to block individual numbers and number patterns. Block 0420 123 342 directly. Some phones also let you block entire number ranges (0420 123 ***) to catch the sequential variations. Check your phone's settings for 'Block Contact' or 'Block Numbers' features. On Android, go to Phone > Settings > Blocked Numbers. On iPhone, go to Settings > Phone > Blocked Contacts. You can also report the number as spam during the blocking process.
Is 0420 123 342 a landline or mobile number?
Based on the 0420 prefix, 0420123342 appears to be formatted as a mobile number. However, scammers frequently spoof or falsify number prefixes, so the actual source may be a different type of line entirely. This is another reason not to trust the number's apparent format. The actual caller identity cannot be determined from the number alone, which is why you should never call back and instead verify any contact through official channels.
What should I do if I already called back 0420 123 342 or gave information to the caller?
If you called back 0420 123 342 or spoke to the caller, monitor your accounts closely for unauthorised activity. If you provided personal information like your date of birth, address, or financial details, consider placing a fraud alert with your bank and checking your credit file through Equifax or other credit reporting agencies. Report the incident to Scamwatch at scamwatch.gov.au and to ACMA at acma.gov.au. If money was sent, contact your bank immediately to attempt a reversal, and report to ReportCyber at cyber.gov.au.