04 8505 2321 - 0485052321: Police Impersonation Scam

• Scam

One contributor reports 04 8505 2321 (0485052321) received a call from someone claiming to be Detective Colin Watson, alleging identity theft and making threats.

Police Impersonation Reports for 04 8505 2321

A single contributor has reported a scam call from 04 8505 2321 (also written as 0485052321) involving impersonation of law enforcement. The caller claimed to be Detective Colin Watson and alleged that someone had been arrested with the contributor's identification documents. The caller used a British accent and employed threatening language regarding the supposed identity theft incident.

This report highlights a common scam tactic where fraudsters impersonate police or federal agents to create urgency and fear. The use of a specific name (Detective Colin Watson) and an official-sounding claim about identity theft are designed to pressure victims into providing personal information or making immediate payments.

What the Caller from 04 8505 2321 Claimed

According to the report, the caller from 0485052321 identified himself as Detective Colin Watson and claimed that someone had been arrested with the contributor's ID. The contributor noted the British accent sounded completely fake, and the overall presentation lacked credibility. The threat of identity theft and arrest was used as a manipulation tactic to create panic.

This type of claim is a well-known scam formula: establish false urgency (arrest, legal action), create fear (your identity stolen), and typically follows with a demand for payment or sensitive information. Legitimate Australian police do not conduct investigations via unsolicited calls demanding immediate action.

Caller Details and Contact Information

The call came from 04 8505 2321, an Optus mobile number. The contributor answered the call, allowing them to hear the full impersonation attempt. The British accent was notably inconsistent with an Australian federal law enforcement officer, which should have raised immediate suspicion for the contributor.

What to Do If You Receive a Call from 04 8505 2321

If 04 8505 2321 calls you or you receive similar police impersonation calls:

• Do not: Provide any personal information, bank details, passport numbers, or confirm your identity
• Do not: Stay on the line or engage with threats about arrest or legal action
• Do not: Make any payments or transfer money based on the caller's claims
• Do: Hang up immediately and end the call
• Do: Block 0485052321 if the number calls again
• Do: Verify any legitimate law enforcement contact by calling the relevant agency directly using an official phone number from their website
• Do: Contact the Australian Federal Police non-emergency line or your state police if you're concerned about identity theft

How to Report 04 8505 2321

If you receive a scam call from 04 8505 2321 or similar police impersonation attempts, report it through the following official Australian channels:

• Report to Scamwatch at scamwatch.gov.au with details of the call, the caller's name, and what was claimed
• Lodge a report with the ACMA (Australian Communications and Media Authority) at acma.gov.au if the call violates telecommunications regulations
• Contact the Australian Federal Police's ReportCyber service at cyber.gov.au if identity theft or fraud is involved
• Report the number 0485052321 to your mobile provider (Optus) to help them investigate and block repeat offenders
• Help protect other Australians by submitting a community report on Reverseau about your experience with 04 8505 2321

Frequently Asked Questions