0428 039 318 - 0428039318: Callback Lure and Impersonation Reports

Callback Lure and Impersonation Reports for 0428 039 318

Ten contributors have reported suspicious activity from 0428 039 318 (also written as 0428039318), with a clear pattern of callback lures and deceptive impersonation. The number, allocated to Telstra mobile, has been used to request callbacks to unknown individuals under various pretexts. Two reports explicitly mention scam activity, while six others describe highly suspicious callback requests.

The callback lure tactic involves asking recipients to contact a named person about someone the recipient doesn't know. One contributor received an MMS from 0428039318 asking them to call another person regarding "Olivia," with neither contact being known to the recipient. This mirrors a classic callback scam setup where criminals create false urgency or familiarity to trick you into dialling a premium-rate or fraudulent number.

What Callers from 0428 039 318 Ask You To Do

Multiple reports show callers from 0428 039 318 consistently ask recipients to make outbound calls or contact third parties. The requests follow a similar structure: "Contact [Name] about [Person's Name]," with the named individuals being unknown to the recipient.

One contributor received an SMS addressed to their father's name, asking them to contact someone named Raman about a person called "Yammie." Another received a voicemail from someone claiming to be "Al," requesting a callback to discuss a supposed relative. A third report described an SMS asking the recipient to contact "Raman" about "Joshua," which raised suspicion because while the recipient did know a Joshua, the request itself felt unusual.

Beyond callback lures, one contributor reported receiving an SMS claiming they were "in breach of a contract" and owed money, despite never having contracted with the sender. This impersonation attempt combined urgency tactics with a false legal threat. Another call simply asked the recipient to "contact them about an urgent matter," using time pressure to encourage hasty action.

Report Patterns and Timing

Reports span from October 2023 to March 2026, indicating sustained activity from 0428039318 over an extended period. The most recent report arrived as an MMS just yesterday (18 March 2026), suggesting the number remains active in scam operations.

Communication channels vary widely: SMS messages dominate, but the number has also been used for direct calls, voicemails, and MMS. This multi-channel approach suggests the operators are testing different methods to get recipients to respond or make callbacks. One contributor answered a direct call and was asked to contact the number about an urgent matter. Another received a voicemail specifically requesting a callback to a different phone number provided by the caller.

A particularly concerning report noted that 0428 039 318 contacted one contributor's ex-partner, who has a protection order against them. This suggests the scammers may be attempting to exploit personal relationships or have accessed compromised data.

What to Do If You Receive a Call from 0428 039 318

If 0428 039 318 calls you:

• Do not: Return the call, dial any number they provide, or agree to contact a third party they name
• Do not: Confirm your name, relationship to anyone they mention, or any personal details
• Do: Hang up immediately if you answer
• Do: Let the call go to voicemail
• Do: Block the number in your phone settings to prevent future calls
• Do: Report the number to your mobile provider if you recognise the pattern as a scam attempt

The callback lure works only if you make the outbound call. By refusing to call back or contact named individuals, you break the scammer's chain. If they claim to be from a known organisation or mention a real person you know, independently verify the claim by contacting that organisation or person directly using a phone number you find yourself on their official website or government directory.

What to Do If You Receive an SMS from 0428 039 318

If you receive an SMS from 0428039318:

• Do not: Click any links in the message
• Do not: Reply to the message
• Do not: Call the number or any number mentioned in the SMS
• Do: Delete the message immediately
• Do: Mark it as spam or junk in your phone
• Do: Block the sender
• Do: Report the SMS to your mobile provider (Telstra) and to the ACMA (Australian Communications and Media Authority)

You can forward spam SMS to 0429 999 888 with the original message intact. This helps authorities track scam patterns.

How to Report 0428 039 318

If you have been contacted by 0428 039 318 or received suspicious messages from 0428039318:

• Report to Scamwatch: Visit scamwatch.gov.au and lodge a report. Scamwatch tracks and publicises common scams affecting Australians
• Report to ACMA: Contact the Australian Communications and Media Authority at acma.gov.au. You can report unwanted calls, SMS, and voicemails. ACMA regulates telecommunications and can take action against scammers
• Report to your mobile provider: Contact Telstra directly and report the number for scam activity. They may be able to disconnect the service or provide additional information
• Report to ReportCyber: If the scam involved phishing links or data theft, visit cyber.gov.au and report the incident
• Contribute to Reverse AU: Share your experience with 0428 039 318 on this page to help other Australians identify and avoid this number