Community reports for 0438 353 952 (0438353952): Robocall impersonating Coles about fraudulent transactions, plus SMS phishing attempts. Telstra mobile.
Robocall and Phishing Reports for 0438 353 952
Two contributors have flagged 0438 353 952 (also written as 0438353952) for suspicious activity involving automated calls and text message fraud attempts. The reports indicate a coordinated approach using both voice and SMS channels, with callers impersonating the Coles payment system and attempting to collect sensitive financial information.
The first report describes a robocall from 0438353952 claiming to be from Coles about a suspicious transaction. The second report details an SMS received from 0438 353 952 warning of credit card fraud, typical of smishing attacks designed to trick recipients into clicking malicious links or providing personal details.
What Callers from 0438 353 952 Claim
One contributor reported receiving an automated message from 0438 353 952 claiming to represent Coles and referencing a dodgy transaction on their account. The robocall format suggests a mass-dialling campaign rather than a personalised interaction.
The SMS variant received by another contributor warned of credit card fraud and almost certainly contained a link designed to harvest banking credentials. These phishing messages typically mimic legitimate Coles or bank alerts to create urgency and bypass normal caution.
Report Patterns and Timing
The two reports arrived via different channels within a six-month window, with the initial robocall received in February 2026 and the SMS phishing attempt in September 2025. This multi-channel approach is common in organised scam campaigns targeting Australian mobile users, particularly those with Telstra accounts like this 0438353952 number.
The use of both robocalling and SMS suggests the attackers may have access to contact lists with known mobile numbers, allowing them to deploy multiple fraud vectors against the same target group.
What to Do If You Receive a Call from 0438 353 952
If 0438 353 952 calls you:
- Do not: Answer or return the call, engage with any prompts, or press any buttons the robocall requests
- Do: Let it ring through to voicemail, block the number immediately, and report it to ACMA
- Verify separately: If concerned about your Coles account, hang up and call Coles directly using the number on your card or statement
Robocalls from 0438353952 impersonating retailers are designed to catch you off guard. Never act on payment alerts from unsolicited calls.
What to Do If You Receive an SMS from 0438 353 952
If you receive a text message from 0438 353 952:
- Do not: Click any links, reply to the message, or provide any personal or banking details
- Do: Delete the SMS immediately, block the sender, and report it as spam
- Report it: Forward the SMS to 0429 999 888 (ACMA's smishing report line) and to your bank or Coles directly
Smishing attacks from numbers like 0438353952 use fake fraud alerts to trick you into visiting fake banking websites. Legitimate retailers and banks never ask for credentials via SMS.
How to Report 0438 353 952
If you've been contacted by 0438 353 952, report it through these channels:
- ACMA (Australian Communications and Media Authority): Report robocalls and SMS scams at acma.gov.au or call 1300 850 152
- Scamwatch: Lodge a detailed report at scamwatch.gov.au, including what the caller claimed and when you were contacted
- Your bank or Coles: Report the incident directly so they can flag your account for monitoring
- Reverse AU: Add your own experience with 0438353952 to help other Australians stay informed
Community reports are essential for tracking these campaigns. Each report about 0438 353 952 helps authorities identify patterns and take action.
Had a call or text from 0438 353 952? Tell others what happened.
SUBMIT A REPORTReport Ratings
Community Reports
I got an SMS about a suspicious transaction on my Coles Credit card and they told me to respond within 24 hours or else my card would remain blocked.
Texts from this number compromised my account, reckoned they were gonna ring me about it
Got a call, sounds like a robo-message from Coles about a dodgy transaction
SMS about credit card fraud, potential smishing
Had a call or text from 0438 353 952? Tell others what happened.
SUBMIT A REPORTFrequently Asked Questions
Is 0438 353 952 actually calling from Coles?
No. Community reports confirm 0438 353 952 (0438353952) is impersonating Coles via robocall and SMS. Coles does not contact customers about fraud via unsolicited robocalls or text links. If you're concerned about your account, hang up and call Coles directly using the number on your card.
What happens if I click the link in an SMS from 0438353952?
Clicking a link from 0438 353 952 will likely direct you to a fake banking or Coles login page designed to steal your credentials. Do not click any links from unsolicited SMS messages. Report the SMS to 0429 999 888 instead.
Why am I getting calls from 0438 353 952 if I've never banked with Coles?
Robocalls from 0438353952 are typically mass-dialled to large numbers of random targets using spoofed Coles branding. Scammers don't verify whether recipients actually use Coles. You're not specifically targeted - you've just been caught in a wide-net campaign.
Should I answer to tell them to stop calling 0438353952?
No. Do not engage with robocalls from 0438 353 952 in any way. Answering or pressing buttons confirms your number is active, which may result in more calls. Block the number and report it to ACMA at acma.gov.au instead.
Can I block 0438 353 952 on my Telstra phone?
Yes. Telstra customers can block 0438353952 directly in their phone settings or through the Telstra app. You can also register with the Do Not Call Register at donotcall.gov.au, though this doesn't stop illegal scam calls - only telemarketing from legitimate businesses.
What should I do if I already clicked a link from an SMS sent by 0438353952?
Contact your bank immediately and change your online banking password from a secure device. Monitor your account closely for unauthorised transactions. If you entered credentials on a fake site, notify your bank so they can issue a new card. Report the SMS from 0438 353 952 to Scamwatch at scamwatch.gov.au and ACMA at acma.gov.au.