0420 644 198: Scam Alert - Commonwealth Bank Phishing Attempt

• Scam

0420 644 198 is reported as a scam number associated with a Commonwealth Bank phishing attempt. If you receive a call from this number, do not engage. Learn the best ways to handle such calls.

Understanding the Threat of 0420 644 198

The phone number 0420 644 198 / 0420644198 has recently been flagged by users as a part of a well-known scam operation. This particular instance involves a phishing attempt designed to impersonate the Commonwealth Bank, aiming to deceive unsuspecting individuals into revealing personal and banking information.

What Happened?

One report from a user who received a call from this number on 03/12/2023 described encountering a recorded message delivered in a female Australian accent. The message claimed to be from the Commonwealth Bank, referencing a substantial transaction of $1800 that the individual had supposedly made. However, it became clear to the recipient that the call was a deceitful attempt to fish for sensitive information, particularly because they did not even bank with the Commonwealth.

Classification: Scam

Based on user reports, 0420 644 198 / 0420644198 is confirmed to be a scam number, specifically a phishing scam. Phishing scams are designed to manipulate individuals into providing personal or financial details, often by instilling a sense of urgency or fear through fraudulent claims. In this case, the call's strategy was to impersonate a legitimate bank to create an illusion of reliability.

How to Handle Calls from 0420 644 198

• Do Not Engage: If you receive a call from this number, hang up immediately.
• Do Not Provide Information: Never give out personal or financial details over the phone, especially not in response to an unsolicited call.
• Report the Call: Inform your local authorities or use platforms designed for spam reporting, such as Reverseau. This helps create awareness and can lead to further action against the scammers.
• Use Reverse Phone Lookup Tools: To check the legitimacy of unknown callers, consider using services like Reverse Phone Lookup Australia to gather information on who called you.

Conclusion

It's crucial to remain vigilant and informed about numbers like 0420 644 198 / 0420644198. By understanding the characteristics of scams, you can protect yourself and your information from falling into the wrong hands. Always trust your instincts and be wary of any unsolicited communications that request financial information.