0457 980 850: Scam Caller - Medicare Phishing Attempt

• Scam

0457 980 850 is reported as a scam call claiming to be from Medicare, attempting to phish for personal information. Stay informed on how to handle such calls and protect your details.

Identifying the scam caller: 0457 980 850

If you've received a call from 0457 980 850, you're not alone. This phone number has raised concern among many Australians who report it as a fraudulent attempt to impersonate Medicare. Such scams can be alarming, particularly in a country where personal data safety is paramount.

Analysis of the reports

User reports, notably one dated 05/01/2024, highlight that this number falsely claims to be calling on behalf of Medicare. The caller requests updates of personal details, a red flag for anyone familiar with government protocols. It's essential to understand that legitimate communications from Medicare, especially those requiring personal information updates, will not occur through unsolicited phone calls.

The type of scam

This is a classic example of a phishing scam. Phishing calls typically involve a scammer posing as a reputable organisation to extract sensitive information, such as your Medicare number, bank details, or other personal identifiers. These tactics can range from alarmingly convincing to blatantly obvious, but they often share a common goal: obtaining data for fraudulent activities.

How to deal with such calls

Here are a few steps you can take if you receive a call from 0457 980 850 / 0457980850 or a similar number:

• Do Not Share Personal Information: Never disclose your Medicare number, bank details, or any other sensitive information over the phone unless you are certain of the caller's identity.
• Hang Up: It’s advisable to end the call immediately if you suspect it to be a scam.
• Verify the Caller: If the call seemed legitimate, contact the official Medicare hotline or visit their website for authentic information.
• Report the Call: Report the number to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) or use services like Reverseau for a reverse phone lookup to gather more context about the caller.

Staying vigilant against scams

In conclusion, being informed and vigilant is your best defence against scam calls like those from 0457 980 850. Always trust your instincts when something feels off; it’s better to be safe than to risk your personal data. Utilise tools such as Reverseau to further investigate unknown numbers. Protect yourself, your information, and pass on this knowledge to friends and family to ensure a collective shield against such malicious intents in Australia.