0426 424 147 - 0426424147: Family Impersonation SMS Scam

• Scam

One contributor reported an SMS from 0426 424 147 (0426424147) claiming to be a family member asking to save a new number - a common impersonation scam tactic.

Family Impersonation SMS Scam on 0426 424 147

A contributor has reported receiving an SMS from 0426 424 147 (also written as 0426424147) with the message "DAD SAVE MY NEW NUMBER." This is a classic family impersonation scam, where the sender pretends to be a family member who has lost their phone or changed their number, attempting to establish a false sense of urgency and familiarity.

The scammer behind 0426424147 relies on the recipient's natural instinct to help a family member in need. By claiming to be a son or daughter with a new number, the caller aims to create a relationship of trust before making a financial request in follow-up messages.

How This Impersonation Scam Works

The initial SMS from 0426 424 147 is designed to bypass your scepticism. The message "DAD SAVE MY NEW NUMBER" targets fathers specifically, creating emotional pressure. Once the number is saved in your contacts, subsequent messages appear to come from a trusted family member rather than an unknown number, making it easier for scammers to manipulate victims into sending money.

These follow-up messages typically escalate with claims of emergencies: a car breakdown, unexpected medical bill, legal trouble, or similar urgent situations. Because the scammer has already established apparent legitimacy through the initial "save my number" message on 0426424147, victims are more likely to comply with financial requests without verifying the claim directly with family members.

What to Do If You Receive an SMS from 0426 424 147

• Do not: Reply to the message, save the number to your contacts, or engage further with the sender
• Do not: Send money or personal information in response to any follow-up requests from 0426 424 147 or 0426424147
• Do: Contact your family member directly using a phone number you know is correct to verify whether the message is genuine
• Do: Block the number 0426 424 147 immediately in your phone settings
• Do: Report the SMS as spam to your mobile provider (this number is registered to Vodafone Australia)
• Do: Forward the SMS to 0429 999 888, Australia's official SMS reporting number for scams

Reporting 0426 424 147

• Report to Scamwatch: Visit scamwatch.gov.au and submit details of the SMS from 0426 424 147, including the exact message content and timestamp
• Report to ACMA: Lodge a complaint with the Australian Communications and Media Authority at acma.gov.au, which oversees mobile number misuse
• Report to your provider: Contact Vodafone Australia directly to report the malicious SMS from 0426424147
• Report on Reverseau: Contribute your experience with 0426 424 147 to help other Australians identify this scam

Protecting Yourself from Family Impersonation Scams

Family impersonation scams are effective because they exploit emotional bonds. The best defence is a simple verification step: if you receive an unexpected message from a family member asking you to save a new number or claiming an emergency, contact them directly using a phone number you trust before taking any action. A quick phone call can immediately expose a scam attempt from 0426 424 147 or any similar number.

Scammers often target older Australians who may be less familiar with text-based scams, but anyone can fall victim to a well-executed impersonation attempt. If you receive multiple messages from 0426424147, do not engage-block the number and report it to the authorities listed above.

Frequently Asked Questions