0455 497 679 - Scam Alert: Optus Phishing Attempt

• Suspicious
• Uncertain

0455 497 679 has been reported as a phishing scam, impersonating Optus to trick users. Learn how to identify and handle calls or messages from this number.

Understanding the 0455 497 679 / 0455497679 Scam

The phone number 0455 497 679 / 0455497679 has recently come under scrutiny due to numerous user reports indicating that it is involved in a phishing scam designed to impersonate Optus, a well-known telecommunications company in Australia. This type of scam targets unsuspecting individuals by presenting a façade of legitimacy, thus allowing scammers to extract personal information or push users towards malicious links.

User Experience Analysis

Various reports indicate that individuals have received messages allegedly from Optus, containing links suggesting they have received MMS messages. One such user highlighted an incident on 19 May 2017, where they received a message from this number despite being a Telstra customer. Similarly, another user reported the same experience on 21 May 2017, noting that the messages began after an iPhone upgrade but again, they were not an Optus customer. This inconsistency raises significant red flags regarding the authenticity of the calls and messages from this number.

Classification of 0455 497 679 / 0455497679 - Suspicious Activity

Given the evidence from user reviews, it is clear that 0455 497 679 / 0455497679 fits into the category of a suspicious number. The constant impersonation of a well-known service provider, particularly through unsolicited SMS messages, suggests that it is being used as part of a broader phishing scheme. Such approaches usually aim to gain access to sensitive user details potentially leading to identity theft or financial loss.

How to Handle Scams like 0455 497 679

• Avoid Clicking Links: If you receive a message from this number, do not click on any links provided. They may lead to harmful sites designed to steal your personal information.
• Block the Number: To prevent further communication, it is advisable to block the number on your mobile device.
• Report to Authorities: Consider reporting the incident to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) or the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman (TIO) to assist in tracking down these fraudsters.
• Use Reverse Phone Lookup: Utilize services like Reverseau to perform a reverse phone lookup in Australia and identify suspicious numbers.

In summary, if you encounter 0455 497 679 / 0455497679 or any similar numbers, exercise caution. Remember, you are not obliged to engage with unknown callers or messages. It’s always better to verify the source before taking any action.