0422 985 389: Phishing Scam Alert

• Suspicious
• Scam

0422 985 389 is reported as a phishing scam, impersonating a relative to elicit personal information. Learn how to handle such calls and protect yourself against scams.

Understanding the Nature of 0422 985 389

The phone number 0422 985 389 / 0422985389 has raised significant concerns among users, who have reported receiving suspicious messages. This number has been classified as a phishing scam, specifically designed to trick individuals into revealing personal information or contacting a different number under false pretenses.

User Reports and Analysis

The reports indicate a common trend; individuals have received messages claiming to be from a parent or relative stating they are using a friend’s phone due to a broken device. In one instance, a user received a message on 07/01/2023, where the writer asked to be contacted via WhatsApp at a new number after claiming their phone had been damaged. Another user reported a similar occurrence on 09/01/2023, further reinforcing the idea that this number is involved in phishing activities.

Why This Number is Classified as a Scam

• Impersonation: The sender claims to be a family member in distress, which manipulates the recipient's feelings and creates a sense of urgency.
• Repeated Messages: The identical nature of the messages across several reports indicates they are likely generated by the same scammers rather than isolated incidents.
• Request for Contact Change: Legitimate family members typically wouldn't ask you to switch communications to a different app or number in such a manner.

How to Handle Calls and Messages from This Number

If you receive a message or call from 0422 985 389 / 0422985389 or similar numbers, it is advisable to take the following precautions:

• Avoid Responding: Do not reply to the message or engage with the sender.
• Do Not Share Personal Information: Never provide personal details or send money based on unsolicited messages.
• Contact Your Relatives: If in doubt, contact your family member directly using their known number to confirm their safety and verify the situation.
• Report It: Consider reporting the number to the relevant authorities or using services like Reverseau to inform others about the scam.

Being aware of phishing scams is crucial in protecting yourself from deception and potential financial loss. Stay vigilant, and if you’re unsure who called you in Australia, consider using a reverse phone lookup to verify the identity of the caller.