0451 789 030: Scam Alert - Phishing SMS from Spoofed Government Agency

• Scam

0451 789 030 has been reported as a phishing scam number, impersonating government services through deceptive SMS. Learn how to identify and deal with such suspicious messages.

Understanding the Scam Behind 0451 789 030

The phone number 0451 789 030 / 0451789030 has raised significant alarm among Australian users, classified as a scam primarily due to its phishing attempts via SMS. The nature of these messages suggests a dubious operator attempting to exploit individuals by masquerading as a government agency.

What Users Reported

On 17 November 2022, multiple reports came in indicating that recipients received unsolicited text messages from this number claiming to be from “AUMy-gov.” These messages included phrases such as, "system shows your income return don't have enough information provided," accompanied by a suspicious link.

Why is this Number Considered a Scam?

The pattern of the messages is typical of phishing scams, where the sender tries to extract personal information by creating a sense of urgency. Here are a few reasons why 0451 789 030 / 0451789030 is deemed a scam:

• Impersonation of a Government Agency: Legitimate government bodies do not use SMS to request sensitive information. This tactic is intended to confuse and mislead users.
• Phrasing and Links: The phrasing used in the text messages leads recipients to believe there may be an issue with their financial details, compelling them to click on the provided link—a common method used in phishing attempts.
• Time of Texts: Reports of messages being sent early in the morning when recipients are less alert further support the notion of a deceptive intent.

How to Handle Calls or Messages from this Number

If you receive a message from 0451 789 030 / 0451789030 or any similar unknown number, here are some steps you should follow:

• Do Not Click Links: Avoid clicking on any links contained in messages from unknown numbers as they may lead to malicious sites.
• Block the Number: By blocking 0451 789 030 / 0451789030, you reduce the chance of receiving more scams from this source.
• Report the Incident: Consider reporting any suspicious messages to the Australian Cyber Security Centre. Document details of the interaction to help with their investigations.

Awareness is key when dealing with unsolicited communications. If in doubt, always perform a Reverse Phone Lookup Australia or utilise platforms like Reverseau to verify the authenticity of the caller. Protecting personal information should be your top priority when confronted with potential scams.