- Scam
One contributor reported an SMS scam from 04 4996 7038 (0449967038) requesting money for cat food. Appears to use personal targeting tactics.
Personal Information Request Scam via 04 4996 7038
A single contributor has reported receiving a scam SMS from 04 4996 7038 (also written as 0449967038). The message requested $100 for cat food, suggesting the sender had attempted to gather or leverage personal information about the recipient - likely knowing they own a cat or have pet-related interests.
This type of targeted approach indicates the scammer may have access to personal details or is using personalised angles to increase credibility and response rates. The specific request for pet-related funds is a variation on common cash-request scams that exploit personal context to seem more legitimate.
What the Scammer Requested
The SMS from 0449967038 asked for a hundred dollars specifically for cat food. This level of detail - rather than a generic money request - suggests an attempt to make the request feel more urgent and personally relevant. The tactic of naming a specific, relatable expense (pet care) is designed to bypass typical scam detection by seeming plausible and time-sensitive.
Report Details and Timing
The report about 04 4996 7038 came via SMS on 20 December 2025. The number is registered as a Vodafone Australia mobile service. Only one contributor has flagged this number to date, though the nature of the scam (targeted personal request via text) suggests the sender may be conducting selective campaigns rather than mass messaging.
What to Do If You Receive an SMS from 04 4996 7038
If you receive a message from 04 4996 7038 or 0449967038:
- Do not: Reply to the message, click any links, or send money
- Do not: Share personal information, even if the message seems to know details about you
- Do: Block the number immediately in your phone settings
- Do: Delete the message without engaging
- Do: Report it as spam to your mobile provider (Vodafone in this case)
- Do: Report the SMS to the ACMA by forwarding it to 0429 999 888
How to Report 04 4996 7038
If you receive similar scam messages from 04 4996 7038 or other numbers:
- Forward the SMS to the ACMA spam reporting line: 0429 999 888 (include the full message and sender number)
- Report to Scamwatch at scamwatch.gov.au with details of the request and any information about the sender
- Block the number in your phone to prevent future contact
- If you've lost money, report to the ACMA (acma.gov.au) and consider contacting your bank
- Contribute your experience to Reverseau to help other Australians identify this and similar numbers
Why Scammers Use Personal Details
The SMS from 0449967038 requesting pet-related funds demonstrates how modern scams use targeted personal information to increase success rates. Scammers acquire this data through data breaches, social media profiles, or purchased contact lists. By referencing something specific about the target (pet ownership), the request seems more credible and urgent, making recipients more likely to respond quickly without questioning the legitimacy of the sender.
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Text asking for a hundred bucks for cat food
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WRITE A REVIEWFrequently Asked Questions
Why would a scammer ask for $100 for cat food specifically?
The specific request about cat food from 04 4996 7038 is a personalisation tactic. By naming a relatable, urgent expense rather than asking for money generically, the scammer makes the request seem more plausible and harder to dismiss. It suggests they may have gathered information about you owning a cat, either through data breaches or public social media. This tactic exploits your trust in the detail and urgency of the request.
How did the scammer know I have a cat to send an SMS from 0449967038?
Data breaches, social media oversharing, or purchased contact lists could reveal personal details like pet ownership. The scammer who sent the SMS from 04 4996 7038 may have accessed compromised databases or bought contact information that includes lifestyle details. Alternatively, they may be running multiple campaigns with different personal angles (some mentioning cats, others mentioning dogs, etc.) to see what resonates.
Should I respond to the SMS from 04 4996 7038 to ask where they got my information?
No. Do not respond to messages from 04 4996 7038 (0449967038) under any circumstances. Responding confirms your number is active and monitored, which makes you a more valuable target for future scam attempts. Silence is the best response - block the number and report it instead.
What should I do if I already sent money to 0449967038?
Contact your bank immediately to report the fraudulent transaction from 04 4996 7038. Provide them with the SMS message and request a chargeback if possible. Report the scam to Scamwatch (scamwatch.gov.au) and the ACMA (acma.gov.au). If the money was transferred via PayID or similar service, your bank may be able to recover it quickly if reported within hours.
Is 04 4996 7038 a real Vodafone number or spoofed?
The number 04 4996 7038 (0449967038) is registered as a Vodafone Australia mobile service. This doesn't guarantee the legitimate owner sent the scam - scammers can spoof numbers or compromise accounts. Always verify requests independently by contacting the organisation directly using a phone number from their official website, not the number that contacted you.
What if I see similar SMS requests from other numbers?
Treat any unsolicited SMS requesting money - especially those with personalised details like 04 4996 7038's cat food request - as highly suspicious. Never send money to unknown numbers via SMS. Always verify requests through official channels, and block and report any suspicious messages to the ACMA (0429 999 888) and Scamwatch (scamwatch.gov.au).