- Spam
Community report for 04 8045 5698 (0480455698): Scammer posing as family member via SMS claiming to be dad's new number, requesting urgent callback.
Family Impersonation SMS from 04 8045 5698
One contributor reported receiving an SMS from 04 8045 5698 (also written as 0480455698) claiming to be a parent's new phone number. The message stated "dad's new number" and requested an urgent callback, creating pressure to respond without verification. The contributor noted they did not recognise either the sender's number or the supposed new contact, which triggered their caution.
This type of impersonation scam exploits family relationships and emotional urgency. The caller targets individuals by impersonating a trusted family member, hoping recipients will respond quickly without verifying the request through established contact channels.
What the SMS from 0480455698 Said
The contributor received a text message claiming to be from their dad's new number and asking them to call back urgently. The vague nature of the message - no specific context about why the number changed or why the callback was urgent - is typical of this scam pattern. Scammers use minimal detail to avoid contradictions and rely on the recipient's emotional response to a family member in apparent need.
Why This Scam Works
Family impersonation scams exploit trust and urgency. Recipients often prioritise responding to family members over verifying requests, especially when framed as urgent. The scammer counts on recipients calling back without first confirming the new number through other means, such as contacting the family member directly using their known phone number or speaking to them in person.
What to Do If You Receive an SMS from 04 8045 5698
If you receive a text from 04 8045 5698 or 0480455698 claiming to be from a family member:
- Do not: Call back the number provided in the message, reply to the SMS, or share personal information
- Do: Contact your family member directly using their known phone number to verify the message is genuine
- Do: Block the number 04 8045 5698 in your phone's settings
- Do: Report the SMS as spam to your mobile provider (Telstra in this case)
- Do: Forward the message to 0429 999 888 (ACMA's reporting service)
How to Report 04 8045 5698
Report this scam number to Australian authorities and contribute to community awareness:
- Forward the SMS to 0429 999 888 (Australian Communications and Media Authority)
- Report to Scamwatch at scamwatch.gov.au with details of the message and timing
- Block 0480455698 on your device and mark it as spam with your provider
- Report to ReportCyber at cyber.gov.au if money or personal details were compromised
- Share your experience on Reverseau to help other Australians identify this number
Help others by sharing your experience with 0480 455 698!
WRITE A REVIEWRatings Distribution
What Our Users Reviewed
Text saying dad's new number, need to call back urgently, don't know either number
Help others by sharing your experience with 0480 455 698!
WRITE A REVIEWFrequently Asked Questions
Is 04 8045 5698 a genuine family member trying to reach me?
Unlikely. The contributor reported receiving an unsolicited SMS from 0480455698 claiming to be their dad's new number without prior warning. Genuine family members typically notify you of number changes through existing contact channels, not via urgent text from an unknown number. Always verify new contact numbers by calling or contacting the family member directly using their known phone number.
What should I do if I already called back 0480455698?
Hang up immediately if still connected. Do not provide any personal information, banking details, or passwords. Monitor your accounts and contact your bank if any unauthorised transactions occur. Report the call to ACMA at 0429 999 888 and to Scamwatch at scamwatch.gov.au. Block 04 8045 5698 to prevent further contact.
Why do scammers use family member impersonation?
Family impersonation scams exploit trust and emotional urgency. When recipients believe a family member needs help urgently, they bypass normal verification steps. This scam works because people prioritise responding to family over questioning the request. The scammer using 0480455698 counted on the recipient calling back without verifying the number's legitimacy first.
How can I protect myself from similar SMS scams?
Establish a verification process for unexpected contact from family. If you receive an urgent message from 04 8045 5698 or similar numbers claiming to be a family member, use a known phone number to contact them directly. Never call back a number provided in an unsolicited SMS. Enable spam filtering on your phone and block numbers after reporting them.
Should I report 0480455698 to my mobile provider?
Yes. Contact Telstra (the provider allocated to 04 8045 5698) and report the scam SMS. They can flag the number and help prevent others from receiving similar messages. You can also forward the message to 0429 999 888 for ACMA to investigate and take action against the scammer.
What information should I never share with unknown callers or SMS senders?
Never share passwords, PIN codes, banking details, credit card numbers, Medicare details, tax file numbers, or one-time verification codes with anyone who contacts you unsolicited. If someone claiming to be family asks for money or personal information via SMS from 04 8045 5698 or similar, verify their identity independently before responding.