0435 288 053: Scam Alert - ING Payment Authorisation Fraud

• Scam

Beware of 0435 288 053, a number reported for scams involving fraudulent ING payment requests. Learn how to identify and handle these calls effectively.

Identifying the Scam Behind 0435 288 053

The phone number 0435 288 053 has been flagged by multiple users as a source of scams targeting individuals through deceptive messages. These reports have categorised this number as a part of a fraudulent scheme attempting to impersonate ING, a well-known Australian bank.

Details of the Scam

Users have received misleading messages from this number stating that significant payments were being charged to their ING accounts, which many recipients do not actually possess. Disturbingly, these messages contain specific prompts to respond or take urgent action, creating a sense of urgency that is typical of phishing scams.

The Nature of the Fraud

In all reported cases, the messages suggest that the victims need to authorise transactions (for instance, payments of AUD 590.00 or AUD 1850.00) and provide a security code to validate these transactions. In reality, these messages are an attempt to extract sensitive information from unsuspecting individuals, making it a classic example of a phishing scam.

Reporting and Response Steps

If you encounter a call or message from 0435 288 053, it is crucial to take the following steps:

• Do Not Respond: Avoid engaging with the number or providing any personal or financial information.
• Verify the Source: If you receive a suspicious message, contact your bank directly using official contact numbers (not the ones provided in the message).
• Report the Incident: Inform the relevant authorities about the number, which helps protect others from potentially falling victim to the scam.
• Consider Blocking the Number: To prevent further communication, you may want to block this number on your phone.

Conclusion: Protect Yourself

Staying informed and cautious is essential in today's digital landscape. Utilise tools like Reverseau's Reverse Phone Lookup Australia to help identify numbers that come into question. If you're wondering who called me Australia, always conduct due diligence before proceeding with any communication from unknown numbers. Remember, legitimate organisations, like banks, will never ask for sensitive information via SMS or unverified calls.