0435 417 186: Suspicious - Likely a Scam Impersonating Westpac

• Scam

The number 0435 417 186 has been reported as suspicious and is likely a scam pretending to be Westpac. If you receive a call from this number, stay cautious and do not provide personal information.

Understanding the Risks of 0435 417 186

The phone number 0435 417 186 / 0435417186 has been flagged by users as suspicious, with reports indicating it is likely a scam. Most notably, one user reported a call on 13 March 2023, noting that the caller pretended to be from Westpac, one of Australia's major banks. Such impersonation scams are common and can often lead to financial loss if victims unknowingly provide personal details.

What Type of Scam is Involved?

This particular call from 0435 417 186 / 0435417186 is classified as an impersonation scam. Scammers frequently disguise their numbers or use similar-looking phone numbers to trick individuals into believing they are speaking to legitimate organisations. In this case, the caller's intention was to pose as a Westpac representative, trying to extract personal or banking information under the guise of providing assistance.

How to Handle Calls from This Number

If you receive a call from 0435 417 186 / 0435417186, here are some steps you should follow:

• Do Not Engage: Do not divulge any personal or banking information.
• Verify the Source: Hang up and contact Westpac directly through official channels to verify any claims made by the caller.
• Report the Call: Consider reporting the number to the relevant authorities such as SCAMwatch or your local consumer protection agency.
• Use Reverseau: Conduct a Reverse Phone Lookup Australia via Reverseau to gather more information about the caller.

Stay Informed and Safe

Scams like this are unfortunately prevalent in Australia. By staying informed and cautious, you can protect yourself from potential threats. Always remember that legitimate organisations will never ask for sensitive information over the phone unsolicited. If in doubt, always choose to verify independently.