0435 077 596: Suspicious Call - Possible Scam from Services Australia

• Scam

Beware of 0435 077 596, which has received reports as a suspicious number claiming to be from Services Australia. Discover how to handle calls from this number and protect yourself from potential scams.

Is 0435 077 596 / 0435077596 a Scam?

The phone number 0435 077 596 / 0435077596 has raised significant concern among users in Australia. Reports indicate that it may be a part of a scam operation, with claims suggesting that callers are posing as representatives from Services Australia. Such tactics often lead to confusion and can provoke anxiety, especially when individuals hear alarming messages about their tax file numbers being suspended.

User Experiences

One report, dated 30 November 2020, detailed a call that started with an automated message alleging that the recipient's tax file number was under investigation. This testimony illustrates red flags typical of phone scams. The abrupt ending of the call, with a real voice hanging up immediately after the recording, adds to the untrustworthy nature of this interaction.

Classifying the Motive

Given these observations, we classify 0435 077 596 / 0435077596 as a suspicious number linked to possible scams. Such calls often have a fraudulent motive, whereby the caller attempts to extract personal information or cause panic with false claims about government investigations.

How to Handle Calls from This Number

• Do not engage: If you receive a call from this number, it’s best not to engage with the caller.
• Hang up: Terminate the call immediately, especially if you feel uncomfortable or suspicious about the conversation.
• Verify: If you’re concerned about your tax file number or any other official matter, contact the relevant institution directly using official channels to verify any claims.
• Report: Report the number to authorities such as the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) or Services Australia if you feel it may be part of a wider scam.

Remember, knowledge is your best defence. Utilizing services like Reverseau for a quick reverse phone lookup in Australia can help inform you about the legitimacy of unknown callers. Always be vigilant to protect your personal information from those who may try to exploit it.