- Scam
SMS scam alert: 04 5784 2589 (0457842589) impersonates RACQ with phishing links. Contributor verified with real RACQ - they only use 07 numbers.
RACQ Impersonation SMS from 04 5784 2589
A contributor received an SMS from 04 5784 2589 (also written as 0457842589) claiming to be from RACQ regarding an autoglass inquiry. The message included a link, consistent with phishing tactics. The contributor took the important step of verifying directly with RACQ and discovered the legitimate organisation only sends messages from 07 numbers, not from mobile numbers like 0457842589.
This report highlights how scammers exploit trusted brand names to trick people into clicking malicious links. The fact that 04 5784 2589 used a mobile prefix instead of RACQ's official channels is a major red flag that should have prompted immediate suspicion.
What the SMS from 04 5784 2589 Contained
According to the contributor, the message from 0457842589 referenced a recent autoglass inquiry, creating false familiarity and urgency. The SMS included a clickable link designed to capture personal or financial information. This tactic exploits people who have genuinely submitted inquiries to legitimate services like RACQ, making the impersonation more convincing.
The contributor's awareness that RACQ only communicates via official 07 numbers prevented them from engaging with the scam message from 04 5784 2589. This is a valuable lesson for others who use RACQ services.
Why This Impersonation Works
Scammers targeting 04 5784 2589 users (or sending messages to this number's range) choose RACQ because the organisation is well-known and trusted by Australian drivers. By referencing a specific service like autoglass claims, the message appears personalised and legitimate. The phishing link in the SMS from 0457842589 is designed to load a fake RACQ login page or payment form, capturing credentials or payment details before users realise they've been deceived.
What to Do If You Receive an SMS from 04 5784 2589
If you receive a message from 04 5784 2589 or similar numbers claiming to be from RACQ or other trusted organisations:
- Do not: Click any links in the message, reply to the SMS, or call any number provided in the message
- Do: Delete the message immediately and block the number 0457842589
- Do: If you have a genuine inquiry with RACQ or similar service, contact them directly using the official number on their website or your membership documents
- Do: Check the sender's number against official communications - RACQ uses 07 numbers, not 04 mobile numbers like 0457842589
- Do: Report the SMS as spam/scam to your mobile provider
How to Report 04 5784 2589
If you receive scam SMS messages from 04 5784 2589 or similar numbers, report them through multiple channels:
- ACMA (Australian Communications and Media Authority): Forward the SMS to 0429 999 888 or report online at acma.gov.au
- Scamwatch: Lodge a report at scamwatch.gov.au with details of the message content and when you received it from 0457842589
- Your mobile provider (Telstra): Report the number directly through your account or call customer service to block 04 5784 2589
- The impersonated organisation (RACQ): Notify RACQ directly so they can issue warnings to members about the 0457842589 scam
- ReportCyber: If you clicked the link or entered information, report the incident to cyber.gov.au
- Reverseau: Share your experience with other Australians by contributing a report about 04 5784 2589 to help build community awareness
Key Takeaway: Verify Before You Click
The contributor who received this SMS from 0457842589 did exactly the right thing by verifying with RACQ directly. Scammers rely on people acting in haste or trusting the message at face value. When you receive unsolicited SMS messages from 04 5784 2589 or any number claiming to represent a service you use, always contact that organisation through official channels (phone number on their website or your account documents) before clicking any links or providing information.
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What Our Users Reviewed
Message claiming to be RACQ about my autoglass inquiry, checked with real RACQ and they only use 07 numbers, this 0457 number is totally unrelated
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WRITE A REVIEWFrequently Asked Questions
Why would a scammer use 04 5784 2589 to impersonate RACQ?
Mobile numbers like 04 5784 2589 (0457842589) are harder to trace than business landlines and can be obtained cheaply or through compromised accounts. Scammers use them because they blend into normal SMS traffic. The specific use of 0457842589 to target RACQ members suggests the scammer had access to customer inquiry data, making the impersonation more believable.
How did the contributor know the SMS from 04 5784 2589 was fake?
The contributor verified directly with RACQ and learned that the organisation only sends official communications from 07 numbers, not from mobile numbers like 0457842589. This is a smart verification step - if you're unsure, always contact the organisation directly using a number from their official website rather than any number in the SMS itself.
What would have happened if the contributor clicked the link from 04 5784 2589?
The link in the SMS from 0457842589 likely led to a fake RACQ website designed to steal login credentials, personal details, or payment information. Clicking could result in account takeover, identity theft, or financial loss. This is why the contributor's decision not to engage with the message from 04 5784 2589 protected them from serious harm.
Should I block 04 5784 2589 on my phone?
Yes, you should block 0457842589 immediately if you receive a scam SMS from this number. Most phones allow you to block contacts and filter SMS from unknown senders. Blocking 04 5784 2589 prevents further messages and reduces the chance you'll accidentally click a malicious link during a moment of distraction.
Can I report this SMS to RACQ directly?
Absolutely. RACQ needs to know that scammers are impersonating their brand using 04 5784 2589 (0457842589). Contact RACQ through their official website or phone number and provide details of the SMS. They can warn other members and work with authorities. You should also report to ACMA by forwarding the message to 0429 999 888.
What if I already clicked the link from 04 5784 2589?
Act quickly: do not enter any passwords or payment details, and do not submit any forms. If you already entered information, change your passwords immediately, monitor your accounts for unauthorised activity, and report the incident to ReportCyber at cyber.gov.au. Contact your bank if payment details were involved. Report the scam SMS from 0457842589 to ACMA and Scamwatch as well.