0440 134 535 - Scam Alert: Suspected Charity Fraud

• Scam

Beware of the phone number 0440 134 535, which has been reported as a suspected charity scam. Learn how to identify such calls and protect your personal information.

Introduction

If you've received a call from the number 0440 134 535 / 0440134535, you may want to be cautious. User reports indicate that this number is likely involved in a charitable scam, attempting to solicit personal financial information under the guise of a donation request.

Understanding the Scam

According to feedback from Australian residents, the caller claiming to be from Caritas asks for credit card details to facilitate a periodic donation. However, this raises red flags for several reasons:

• Unexpected Call: Many legitimate charities do not conduct fundraising calls in this manner, especially without prior contact.
• High-Pressure Tactics: The insistence on providing sensitive information over the phone is a common tactic used by scammers.
• Verification Issues: It's advisable to verify claims directly with the charity if you receive unsolicited calls claiming to represent them.

How to Handle Calls from This Number

If you receive a call from 0440 134 535 / 0440134535 or a similar number:

• Do Not Share Personal Information: Never give out your credit card number, bank details, or any other sensitive information over the phone to unverified callers.
• Hang Up and Research: End the call and search for the charity's official contact details online. Reach out directly to confirm if the call was legitimate.
• Report the Number: Reporting suspicious numbers to platforms like Reverseau can help protect others from potential scams.

Conclusion

In summary, 0440 134 535 / 0440134535 has been flagged as a potential charity scam number. Being aware of such scams is essential to protecting your personal and financial information. Always trust your instincts, and utilise tools like Reverse Phone Lookup Australia to identify who's calling before engaging in any conversation.