- Scam
Community report for 04 8000 8495 (0480008495): Caller impersonated police, falsely claimed identity theft with urgent pressure tactics.
Police Impersonation Reports for 04 8000 8495
One contributor has reported a scam call from 04 8000 8495 (also written as 0480008495) involving police impersonation. The caller falsely claimed the contributor's identity had been stolen, using urgency and authority to pressure an immediate response. This type of scam exploits trust in law enforcement to bypass normal caution and extract information or payment.
What the Caller from 04 8000 8495 Claimed
The contributor who received a call from 0480008495 reported the caller identified themselves as police. The caller stated that the recipient's identity had been stolen, creating an immediate sense of alarm. By invoking both law enforcement authority and identity theft concerns, the caller attempted to manipulate the recipient into a vulnerable, reactive state where they might disclose personal details or comply with demands without verification.
Report Details and Context
This report came through as an answered call, indicating the contributor engaged with the caller before recognizing the deception. The number 04 8000 8495 is registered as a mobile service through Pivotel Satellite, a satellite communications provider. The use of a mobile number adds a layer of apparent legitimacy, as real police may contact via various phone types, though official police will never demand information over an unsolicited call.
What to Do If You Receive a Call from 04 8000 8495
If 04 8000 8495 calls you, follow these steps:
- Do not: Provide personal information, confirm bank details, or agree to any immediate action the caller requests
- Do: Hang up immediately and independently verify by calling your local police station using a number you find yourself (not one provided by the caller)
- Do: Remember that legitimate police will not call demanding information about identity theft or asking you to act urgently
- Do: Block 0480008495 after the call to prevent repeated contact
- Do: Report the incident to both your local police and the relevant scam authorities
How to Report 04 8000 8495
If you receive a call from 04 8000 8495 or 0480008495, report it to Australian authorities:
- Scamwatch (scamwatch.gov.au) - report the scam attempt and get advice
- ACMA (acma.gov.au) - report the number for investigation and potential blocking
- Local police - file a report about the impersonation attempt
- ReportCyber (cyber.gov.au) - if the caller requested banking or identity information
- Reverseau - contribute your experience to help other Australians identify this number
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What Our Users Reviewed
Called claiming to be police, said my identity was stolen
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WRITE A REVIEWFrequently Asked Questions
What should I do if police call me about identity theft?
Legitimate police will never call you unsolicited asking for personal information or demanding immediate action. If 04 8000 8495 or any number calls claiming to be police about your identity, hang up immediately. Then independently call your local police station using a number you look up yourself to verify whether they actually contacted you. Never provide details based on an incoming call.
Is 0480008495 really a police number?
No. The number 0480008495 is registered as a mobile service through Pivotel Satellite. Scammers often use mobile numbers to appear more legitimate. Real police will have verifiable contact numbers you can independently confirm, and they will not pressure you or demand information over an unsolicited call.
Why would a scammer claim my identity was stolen?
Identity theft is a high-urgency concern that triggers fear and makes people act without thinking. By combining authority (claiming to be police) with urgency (identity theft), the scammer aims to bypass your normal caution. The goal is usually to extract banking details, personal information, or payment under the guise of 'protecting' your identity.
What should I do if I already shared information with 04 8000 8495?
If you provided personal, banking, or identity information during a call from 04 8000 8495 (0480008495), contact your bank immediately to monitor for fraud. Also report the incident to Scamwatch (scamwatch.gov.au), your local police, and ReportCyber if banking details were shared. Consider placing a fraud alert with credit reporting agencies to protect against identity theft.
How can I tell if a caller is really police?
Police will identify themselves with a specific station or department name, not just 'police.' They will not demand immediate payment, refuse to give you a callback number, or ask for passwords or banking details. If you're unsure about a call from 04 8000 8495 or any other number, hang up and call your local police station directly using a number you find independently.
Should I block 0480008495 after this call?
Yes. Block 04 8000 8495 (0480008495) immediately in your phone settings or through your carrier to prevent repeated contact. Scammers often retry from the same number or similar variations. Blocking reduces the chance of being contacted again and helps protect other household members who might answer the call.