0463 683 851: Scam - Impersonating the Department of Immigration

• Scam

If you've received a call from 0463 683 851, beware! This number has been reported as a scam, with claims of impersonating the Chinese Department of Immigration. Learn how to handle such calls and protect yourself.

Understanding the Scam Behind 0463 683 851

If you've found yourself on the receiving end of a call from 0463 683 851 / 0463683851, you are not alone. Many Australians have reported this number as part of a scam operation that involves individuals impersonating officials from the Chinese Department of Immigration. Such activities are designed to create fear and manipulate unsuspecting victims into providing personal details or financial information.

What Kind of Scam is This?

The calls from 0463 683 851 / 0463683851 typically claim that the victim has an urgent issue related to immigration status, often threatening dire consequences if immediate action is not taken. This type of scam, known as “government impersonation fraud,” leverages the authority associated with government agencies to intimidate individuals. Scammers often use sophisticated tactics, including spoofing legitimate government phone numbers to enhance their credibility.

How to Protect Yourself

Your best line of defence against such fraudulent calls is to remain calm and vigilant. Here’s how to handle calls from numbers like 0463 683 851:

• Do Not Engage: If you answer a call from this number, it is advisable not to engage with the caller. The less you say, the less information they have to manipulate you.
• Verify the Caller: Hang up and contact official government sources directly, rather than relying on the number provided during the call.
• Report the Number: Inform authorities such as the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) about the scam call to help protect others.
• Use Reverse Phone Lookup: Tools like Reverseau can assist in identifying the legitimacy of unexpected calls, letting you know if others have reported the number as suspicious.

Conclusion

Scams are unfortunately becoming more sophisticated, as seen with 0463 683 851 / 0463683851. Always exercise caution and utilise resources like Reverseau when unsure about unfamiliar phone numbers. By staying informed and vigilant, you can better protect yourself against potential scams.