- Scam
04 8209 0085 (0482090085): Community reports identify this Optus mobile number in rental deposit scams. Two contributors lost deposits and rent payments.
Rental Scam Reports for 04 8209 0085
Two contributors have reported scam activity linked to 04 8209 0085 (also written as 0482090085), specifically targeting rental tenants. Both reports indicate the caller posed as a landlord or property manager to fraudulently obtain rental payments and deposits. This Optus mobile number appears to be used in coordinated attempts to extract money from unsuspecting renters.
The pattern suggests deliberate targeting of rental applicants or current tenants. One contributor reported losing both a rental deposit and a month's rent to the caller using 0482090085, while another described an attempted scam aimed at extracting a rental deposit through deception.
What Callers from 04 8209 0085 Do
Based on community reports, callers from 04 8209 0085 impersonate landlords or property managers to manipulate tenants into sending money. Contributors report the caller claims to need payment for deposits, bond transfers, or rental payments before lease agreements are finalised. The scammer uses urgency and authority typical of rental fraud - demanding quick payment to "secure" the property or "process" documentation.
One contributor described losing a full month's rent plus deposit, suggesting the caller maintained the deception long enough to extract multiple payments. The tactics align with common rental fraud patterns where the perpetrator either vanishes after receiving payment or demands additional "fees" for inspections or transfers.
Report Timeline and Pattern
Community reports for 04 8209 0085 span from September to November 2025, indicating ongoing activity. Both reports came through direct phone contact (call answered), meaning contributors engaged with the caller before recognising the scam. The mobile number allocation to Optus suggests the scammer may be using a legitimate mobile service to appear credible to targets researching rental properties or responding to advertisements.
What to Do If You Receive a Call from 04 8209 0085
If 04 8209 0085 calls you about rental arrangements:
- Do not: Send any deposit, bond, or rental payment before signing a lease with verified identity documentation
- Do not: Provide banking details, ID numbers, or personal information to unverified callers
- Do not: Use payment methods suggested by the caller (wire transfers, prepaid cards, cryptocurrency)
- Do: Hang up and independently verify the property listing through established real estate websites
- Do: Contact the property manager or landlord using contact details from official rental listings, not numbers provided by the caller
- Do: Block 0482090085 if the caller becomes aggressive or evasive about verification
- Do: Request all agreements in writing from verified business addresses before any money changes hands
How to Report 04 8209 0085
If you have been targeted by or have information about rental fraud involving 04 8209 0085, report it through these channels:
- Scamwatch (scamwatch.gov.au) - document the full conversation and any payment details requested
- ACMA (acma.gov.au) - report the Optus mobile number for investigation
- Australian Federal Police (afp.gov.au) - if money was transferred or personal data compromised
- Real Estate Institute of your state - if the scam involved a property listing
- Your bank - report the transaction and request reversal if funds were sent
- Reverseau - contribute your experience to help warn other Australians about 0482090085
When reporting, include the date and time of the call, exact phrases used, and details of any payments requested. This helps authorities track patterns and protect other renters from the same scammer.
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What Our Users Reviewed
Scam rental - lost deposit and month's rent
Tried to scam tenant out of rental deposit
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WRITE A REVIEWFrequently Asked Questions
How can I verify a rental property is legitimate before paying a deposit?
Never pay a deposit based on a phone call from 04 8209 0085 or any unverified caller. Instead, independently verify the property by searching established rental websites (Domain, Realestate.com.au, Rent.com.au), visiting the property in person, and contacting the real estate agent or landlord using contact details from the official listing, not numbers provided by the caller. Legitimate landlords provide written agreements before payment.
What makes 0482090085 suspicious as a rental contact?
Legitimate rental businesses typically use office landlines or dedicated rental management numbers, not personal Optus mobile numbers like 04 8209 0085. The two community reports indicate this number was used to deceive tenants into sending deposits without proper verification. If a landlord contacts you from a mobile number, independently confirm their identity before any payment.
What should I do if 04 8209 0085 called and I already sent money?
Contact your bank immediately and explain you sent money to a scam number (0482090085). Request a transaction reversal or chargeback. Then report the incident to Scamwatch (scamwatch.gov.au), the Australian Federal Police (afp.gov.au), and ACMA (acma.gov.au). Block the number and do not respond to any follow-up contact from 04 8209 0085.
Why would a scammer use an Optus mobile number instead of a fake business line?
Mobile numbers like 0482090085 appear more personal and trustworthy to victims than obvious VoIP or spoofed numbers. They also allow the scammer to operate anonymously without setting up a fake business entity. Contributors who received calls from 04 8209 0085 likely didn't question the number format because Optus is a major Australian provider, making the scam more convincing.
If I'm a current tenant, is 04 8209 0085 a risk to my rental agreement?
Yes. Scammers using numbers like 0482090085 may also target current tenants with false claims about bond transfers, lease renewals, or additional fees. Never provide updated banking details or re-pay deposits to callers claiming to be your landlord. Always verify directly using contact details from your original lease or official property management records, not from the caller.
How do I report this scam to help other renters avoid 0482090085?
Report your experience on Reverseau by providing details about the call from 04 8209 0085, including the date, what the caller said, and any money lost. Also report to Scamwatch (scamwatch.gov.au) and ACMA (acma.gov.au). If money was transferred, report to your bank and the Australian Federal Police (afp.gov.au). Community reports about 0482090085 help warn other Australians about active rental scams.