- Scam
SMS scam alert: 04 2329 4681 (0423294681) impersonates HotDoc with fake refund messages containing phishing links. Community report included.
HotDoc Impersonation SMS Scam Using 04 2329 4681
A contributor has reported receiving an SMS from 04 2329 4681 (also written as 0423294681) impersonating HotDoc, the Australian medical appointment platform. The message claimed a refund was pending and included a suspicious link designed to harvest personal information. This type of impersonation attack targets HotDoc users who may have recent transactions or account activity, making the fake refund message appear legitimate at first glance.
The SMS from 0423294681 uses urgency and familiarity with a recognisable brand name to trick recipients into clicking the phishing link. HotDoc users are particularly vulnerable because they already have payment methods linked to their accounts, making them attractive targets for credential theft.
What the SMS from 04 2329 4681 Contains
The contributor described receiving a text message from 04 2329 4681 about a HotDoc refund. The message included a link designed to capture login credentials or banking details when clicked. Scammers using this number are banking on recipients recognising the HotDoc brand and trusting the refund premise without verifying the sender.
This particular SMS tactic is effective because HotDoc is widely used across Australia for medical bookings, and users regularly receive legitimate appointment confirmations and payment notifications via SMS. A fake refund message fits naturally into expected communication patterns, reducing suspicion.
Report Details and Timing
The report about 0423294681 was submitted on 20 October 2025. The SMS channel and mobile number allocation (Optus mobile) suggest the scammers are using a standard Australian mobile service to distribute their phishing attempts. This number may be part of a wider SMS phishing campaign impersonating legitimate Australian healthcare and financial services.
What to Do If You Receive an SMS from 04 2329 4681
If you receive a text message from 04 2329 4681 claiming to be from HotDoc or any other service:
- Do not: Click any links in the message, reply to the SMS, or visit websites linked from the text
- Do not: Enter your login credentials, password, Medicare number, or banking details on any page you reach from the link
- Do: Delete the message immediately
- Do: Block 0423294681 in your phone's contacts
- Do: Report the SMS as spam to your mobile provider (Optus in this case)
- Do: Forward the scam SMS to 0429 999 888 (Australia's official scam reporting SMS number)
- Do: If you accidentally clicked the link, change your HotDoc password and monitor your accounts for unauthorised activity
How to Verify Legitimate HotDoc Communications
Legitimate HotDoc messages come directly from appointment confirmations within the HotDoc app or from registered healthcare providers using the platform. HotDoc does not send unsolicited refund offers via SMS. If you receive a refund notification from 04 2329 4681 or any unknown number:
- Open the official HotDoc app or website directly (do not use links from SMS)
- Check your account history and transaction status
- Contact HotDoc support through the app's help section to verify any refund claims
- Never click links in unexpected SMS messages about refunds or account changes
How to Report 04 2329 4681
If you receive a phishing SMS from this number, report it through multiple channels:
- Forward the SMS to 0429 999 888 (Australian government scam reporting service)
- Report to Scamwatch at scamwatch.gov.au
- Lodge a report with the ACMA (Australian Communications and Media Authority) at acma.gov.au
- Report the SMS as spam directly to your mobile provider (Optus)
- Report to ReportCyber at cyber.gov.au if the link attempted to capture credentials
- Contribute your experience to Reverseau by reporting this number to help protect other Australians from 0423294681
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What Our Users Reviewed
Got text from HotDoc about a refund, looked like a scam link
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WRITE A REVIEWFrequently Asked Questions
Is 04 2329 4681 a legitimate HotDoc number?
No. The number 04 2329 4681 (0423294681) is not associated with HotDoc. If you receive a message from this number claiming to be from HotDoc, it is a phishing scam. HotDoc will never send unsolicited refund notifications via SMS with clickable links. Always access your HotDoc account through the official app rather than clicking links in unexpected messages.
What happens if I click the link in an SMS from 0423294681?
Clicking the link from 04 2329 4681 will likely take you to a fake login page designed to steal your HotDoc username and password, or capture banking details if payment information is requested. If this happens, do not enter any credentials. Close the page immediately, change your HotDoc password, monitor your bank accounts and credit reports, and consider contacting your bank to alert them of potential fraud.
Why am I receiving a refund SMS from 04 2329 4681 if I'm not expecting one?
The SMS from 0423294681 is a phishing scam that uses the appeal of a refund to trick you into clicking a malicious link. Scammers send these messages to many people, knowing that some HotDoc users will have recently made appointments or payments. Legitimate refunds from HotDoc are processed within your account and appear in the HotDoc app, not via unsolicited SMS from random mobile numbers.
Should I block 04 2329 4681?
Yes. Block 0423294681 immediately in your phone's contact list or through your mobile provider's blocking service. This prevents further phishing attempts from this number. You can also report the number as spam through your Optus account to help prevent others from receiving similar messages.
Is 04 2329 4681 being used by other scammers or just HotDoc impersonation?
Based on community reports, 0423294681 has been reported for HotDoc impersonation specifically. However, scammers often use multiple tactics with the same number. If you receive calls or messages from 04 2329 4681 claiming to be from other services (banks, government agencies, delivery services), treat them as suspicious and do not engage. Report all contact from this number.
What should I do if I already entered my details on the fake HotDoc link from 0423294681?
If you entered your HotDoc login credentials on a page reached via a link from 04 2329 4681, change your HotDoc password immediately using the official app. If you entered banking details or credit card information, contact your bank straight away and request a new card. Monitor your accounts closely for unauthorised transactions. Report the phishing attempt to cyber.gov.au and consider placing a fraud alert with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).