0480 097 436 - Scam Alert for FAKE Council Survey

• Scam

Beware of 0480 097 436, reported as a scam number masquerading as a council survey. If you receive a call from this number, learn how to handle it safely.

The phone number 0480 097 436 has raised significant concerns among users, categorised firmly as a scam number. Reports indicate that this number is being used to impersonate an authoritative body—specifically, the Golden Plains Shire Council—under the guise of conducting an unsolicited survey.

On 5 October 2022, a user recounted their experience, stating that upon answering the call, they were met with a female voice claiming to be conducting a survey for the council. However, when the individual refused to provide personal information, the caller abruptly disconnected the call. A follow-up with the Golden Plains Shire Council revealed that no such survey was actually being conducted, signifying that the call was nothing more than a ploy to extract sensitive information.

Calls from 0480 097 436 / 0480097436 should be treated with extreme caution. This type of scam—posing as legitimate entities to gather personal data—preys on unsuspecting individuals who may believe they are responding to a genuine request. These tactics are not uncommon, and scammers often use localised or familiar numbers to enhance their credibility.

To protect yourself from potential scams like the one associated with this number, consider the following strategies:

• Do not engage: If you receive a call from 0480 097 436 / 0480097436 or a similar number, do not provide personal information. Legitimate organisations will not ask for sensitive data over the phone, especially unsolicited.
• Validate the caller: Hang up and independently contact the organisation they claim to represent using verified contact details.
• Report the number: Sharing your experience may help others. You can report suspicious numbers on platforms like Reverseau or through local consumer protection agencies.

This incident serves as a valuable reminder to stay vigilant. If you want to investigate unknown numbers further, consider using platforms designed for a Reverse Phone Lookup Australia service to find reliable information about incoming calls. It's always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to unsolicited phone calls.