04 2231 8236 - 0422318236: Pay ID Impersonation Scam

• Scam

One contributor reported 04 2231 8236 (0422318236) as linked to a Pay ID scammer operating on Facebook Marketplace. Impersonation scam alert.

Pay ID Impersonation Reports for 04 2231 8236

A contributor has reported 04 2231 8236 (also written as 0422318236) as linked to a Pay ID scammer operating on Facebook Marketplace. This Optus mobile number appears connected to fraudulent activity targeting marketplace buyers and sellers through payment impersonation tactics.

Pay ID scams typically involve criminals posing as legitimate buyers or sellers, then using fake payment confirmation screens or claiming payment issues to manipulate victims into transferring funds or revealing banking details. The connection between 04 2231 8236 and Facebook Marketplace activity suggests this number may be used to follow up on marketplace interactions or convince victims to complete payments through unofficial channels.

How Pay ID Scammers Operate

Contributors who report numbers like 0422318236 commonly describe scammers claiming to have sent payment via Pay ID, then requesting verification codes, asking for refunds, or insisting the victim needs to "confirm" payment details. On marketplace platforms, these scammers often create urgency around high-value items, positioning themselves as serious buyers or sellers to build trust before the scam unfolds.

The use of a mobile number like 04 2231 8236 allows scammers to appear as individual traders rather than businesses, making it easier to bypass marketplace safeguards and build false credibility during initial negotiations.

What to Do If You Receive Contact from 04 2231 8236

If 04 2231 8236 contacts you, especially in connection with a Facebook Marketplace transaction:

• Do not: Share banking details, Pay ID, verification codes, or personal information
• Do not: Click links sent via SMS or call from this number
• Do not: Transfer funds or process refunds until you verify the buyer/seller independently
• Do: Block 0422318236 immediately if you don't recognise the caller
• Do: Verify any marketplace transaction through the platform's official messaging system only
• Do: Hang up and call the business directly using a number from their official website if they claim to be from a legitimate organisation

What to Do If You Receive an SMS from 04 2231 8236

Pay ID scammers commonly use SMS to send fake payment confirmations or request urgent action:

• Do not: Click any links in messages from 0422318236
• Do not: Reply to confirm your details or request payment status
• Do: Report the SMS as spam to your Optus account
• Do: Forward suspicious messages to 0429 999 888 (ACMA report line)
• Do: Delete the message and block the number

Facebook Marketplace Safety

If you're buying or selling on Facebook Marketplace and 04 2231 8236 contacts you:

• Complete all payment through Facebook's official payment system or bank transfer with confirmed ABN
• Never use Pay ID for marketplace transactions unless you've verified the account independently
• Ask marketplace contacts to communicate only through the platform's messaging
• Screenshot all messages and transaction details before proceeding
• If a "buyer" or "seller" suddenly asks for contact outside the platform and provides 0422318236, treat it as a major red flag

How to Report 04 2231 8236

If you've experienced contact from this number:

• Report to ACMA: Forward SMS scams to 0429 999 888 or report online at acma.gov.au
• Report to Scamwatch: Document the scam details at scamwatch.gov.au for tracking and public alerts
• Report to Facebook: Use the platform's "Report" function on the marketplace listing or account
• Report to Reverseau: Contribute your experience with 0422318236 to help warn other Australians
• Contact your bank: If you've already transferred funds, contact your bank immediately to attempt reversal

Frequently Asked Questions