0459 681 557: Scam - Phishing Texts Impersonating Banks

• Scam

The phone number 0459 681 557 has been reported as a scam number involved in phishing attempts, impersonating major banks like Commonwealth Bank and ING. Stay informed on how to identify this type of scam and what actions you can take.

Assessing the Threat: 0459 681 557

The phone number 0459 681 557 has raised considerable alarm among Australian residents, as it has been implicated in various phishing scams. User reports indicate that this number is used to send fraudulent text messages alleging issues related to banking services. Specifically, victims have received texts claiming that their Commonwealth Bank and ING accounts are at risk, soliciting them to click a link to rectify non-existent problems.

Understanding the Scam

Phishing is a form of fraud where scammers masquerade as reputable institutions to gain sensitive information from unsuspecting victims. The nature of the messages reported from 0459 681 557 suggests that it is a typical example of this deceitful tactic. For instance, messages noted on 30 April 2022 informed recipients that their Commonwealth Bank app had been blocked and urged them to click on a link; a common strategy employed by cybercriminals to manipulate individuals into divulging personal information. Similarly, a report dated 1 June 2022 involved a message purporting to be from ING regarding a potential issue with a transfer, which is particularly misleading given that the recipient did not have an account with the bank.

How to Handle Suspicious Calls or Texts

If you receive a text or call from 0459 681 557 or a similar number, it’s crucial to proceed with caution:

• Do Not Click Links: Avoid clicking any links provided in suspicious messages as they could lead to phishing websites designed to harvest your information.
• Verify the Source: Contact your bank directly using official channels if you believe there may be an issue with your account. Do not use contact details provided in the scam message.
• Report the Scam: If you receive such messages, report them to the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) to help mitigate the spread of these scams.
• Utilise Reverse Phone Lookup: Leverage services like Reverseau for a reverse phone lookup in Australia to identify unknown callers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, 0459 681 557 is confirmed to be a scam number associated with persistent phishing attempts targeting unsuspecting individuals by impersonating legitimate banks. It's important for users to stay informed and vigilant against such scams, tapping into resources like Reverse Phone Lookup Australia to verify identities and protect their personal information. Remain sceptical of unexpected messages, and ensure you know who called me in Australia before taking any action.