- Scam
04 8120 1716 (0481201716): SMS scam impersonating CommBank with fake bonus claim link. Do not click - report to your bank immediately.
CommBank Impersonation SMS Scam from 04 8120 1716
A contributor has reported receiving an SMS from 04 8120 1716 (also written as 0481201716) impersonating Commonwealth Bank. The message claimed the recipient had won a $12,805 awards bonus and urged them to click a link to claim it before 10th December. This is a classic phishing scam designed to steal banking credentials and personal information.
The tactic of impersonating a legitimate bank like CommBank is particularly effective because it exploits trust in a familiar institution. The $12,805 figure creates false urgency and excitement, making recipients more likely to act without thinking critically. The artificial deadline of 10th December adds pressure to bypass normal caution.
Why This SMS from 0481201716 Is Dangerous
When you click the link in messages from 04 8120 1716, you are typically taken to a fake login page that looks identical to the real CommBank website. If you enter your username, password, or other banking details, scammers capture this information immediately. They can then access your real account, transfer funds, apply for loans, or commit identity fraud in your name.
CommBank and other legitimate banks will never send unsolicited SMS messages asking you to click links and claim bonuses. They have no reason to do so. If you have a genuine claim or bonus, CommBank would notify you through your secure online banking portal or via a phone call after you initiate contact with them.
What to Do If You Receive This SMS from 04 8120 1716
If you receive a message from 0481201716 claiming to be from CommBank:
- Do not: Click any links in the message, reply to the SMS, or call the number if one is provided
- Do not: Enter any personal information, passwords, or banking details
- Do: Delete the message immediately
- Do: Block the number 04 8120 1716 on your phone
- Do: Contact CommBank directly using the phone number on the back of your card or via their official website to report the scam
- Do: Forward the SMS to 0429 999 888 (ACMA's scam reporting number) before deleting it
How CommBank SMS Really Look
Legitimate SMS messages from CommBank will not ask you to click links to claim money, verify your identity, or update your details. If CommBank needs to contact you about your account, they will direct you to call them using the number on your card, or they will instruct you to log into your account yourself using the CommBank app or website. They will never send a link in an unsolicited SMS.
How to Report This Number and Protect Yourself
Report the scam SMS from 04 8120 1716 (0481201716) through multiple channels to help protect other Australians:
- Forward the SMS to 0429 999 888 (ACMA Scam and Malware Report Line) - include the message and sender details
- Report it to Scamwatch at scamwatch.gov.au - they track scam trends and warn the public
- Report it to CommBank directly via your app or by calling the number on your card so they can monitor for similar attacks
- If you accidentally clicked the link or entered information, contact your bank immediately and consider changing your passwords from a secure device
- Monitor your bank statements closely for any unauthorised transactions
- Consider placing a fraud alert with the Australian Credit Reporting Bureau if you provided sensitive details
Report on Reverseau
If you receive calls or SMS from 04 8120 1716, add your report to this page to help other Australians stay alert. Community reports help identify patterns and tactics that scammers use, making it easier for people to recognise and avoid these threats.
Help others by sharing your experience with 0481 201 716!
WRITE A REVIEWRatings Distribution
What Our Users Reviewed
SCAM.
Sent me a text message claiming to be CommBank asking to click the link and claim 12,805 awards bonus valid until 10th December.
Help others by sharing your experience with 0481 201 716!
WRITE A REVIEWFrequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I already clicked the link in the SMS from 04 8120 1716?
Act quickly. If you clicked the link from 0481201716 but did not enter any information, you are likely safe - simply delete the message and block the number. If you entered your CommBank username and password, contact CommBank immediately on the number on your card and tell them your account may be compromised. They can reset your credentials and monitor for unauthorised access. If you entered other sensitive details like your date of birth or card number, also place a fraud alert with the credit reporting bureaus.
Can I get in trouble for reporting this scam to CommBank?
No. CommBank and all Australian banks encourage customers to report suspicious SMS messages. Reporting the SMS from 04 8120 1716 (0481201716) to your bank and to ACMA helps them track scam campaigns and protect other customers. You are doing the right thing by reporting it.
Why would a scammer use 04 8120 1716 to impersonate CommBank?
The number 0481201716 is an Optus mobile number, which may seem more legitimate than an obvious shortcode or international number. Scammers use real mobile numbers because some people are more likely to trust what looks like a personal message rather than an automated alert. The number itself is not CommBank's genuine contact number - it is simply being misused by the scammer.
Is the $12,805 bonus real?
No. The $12,805 'awards bonus' mentioned in messages from 04 8120 1716 is completely fake. CommBank does not send unsolicited SMS messages offering large cash bonuses. This figure is chosen specifically to create excitement and bypass rational thinking. Any legitimate prize or bonus from CommBank would be communicated through secure channels after you log into your real account, not via an unsolicited SMS asking you to click a link.
How do I block 04 8120 1716 on my phone?
On iPhone: Open the message from 0481201716, tap the number or contact at the top, scroll down, and select 'Block this Caller'. On Android: Open the message, tap the three dots, and select 'Block number'. After blocking, future calls and SMS from 04 8120 1716 will go straight to spam. You can also report the number as spam in your Messages app before blocking it.
What does ACMA do when I report the scam SMS from 0481201716?
ACMA (Australian Communications and Media Authority) tracks scam patterns and works with telecommunications providers and law enforcement to identify and take action against scammers. When you forward the SMS from 04 8120 1716 to 0429 999 888, ACMA uses that report along with many others to identify coordinated scam campaigns. They may shut down the line, work with police on investigations, or issue public warnings. Your single report contributes to a larger picture that helps protect the community.