0473 246 708: Scam Alert - Suspicious Government Impersonation

• Scam

The number 0473 246 708 has been reported as a scam, impersonating the Department of Home Affairs. Learn how to deal with suspicious calls and protect yourself from phone scams.

Understanding the Nature of the Call from 0473 246 708

This particular phone number, 0473 246 708 / 0473246708, has raised significant alarms among users who claim it is involved in a scam attempt. Reports indicate that calls from this number often entail a delay followed by a pre-recorded voice message that misleadingly represents itself as coming from the Department of Home Affairs.

Classification: Scam

Given the nature of the reports, we classify this number as a scam, specifically an impersonation scam. These types of scams typically exploit the trust associated with government entities, attempting to extract personal information or money from unsuspecting individuals.

Details from User Experiences

One notable report was made on 28 October 2020, where the individual received a call that began with a prolonged silence followed by a robotic message. This delay is a common tactic used by scammers to make the call appear more legitimate or to falsely connect the caller with an official source.

How to Handle Calls from 0473 246 708

• Do Not Engage: If you receive a call from this number, it's best not to respond or provide any personal information.
• Hang Up: As the user did in the earlier mentioned report, simply hanging up can prevent further intrusion.
• Report the Call: Consider reporting the call to the relevant authorities, such as the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) or the Department of Home Affairs, so they can investigate.

Protecting Yourself Against Phone Scams

It’s important to stay vigilant in safeguarding your personal information. Scammers can be clever and often prey on fears and urgency. Always verify the legitimacy of any call claiming to be from a government agency by contacting them directly using official contact numbers.

If you want to know more about who called you, Reverseau offers a valuable Reverse Phone Lookup Australia tool, which can help you ascertain the identity of unknown callers and keep yourself informed.