- Scam
Community report for 04 8584 2017 (0485842017): Caller impersonated Australian government offering fake no-cost tai chi program, requested app download.
Government Impersonation Scam on 04 8584 2017
One contributor has reported a scam call from 04 8584 2017 (also written as 0485842017) involving impersonation of an Australian government program. The caller falsely claimed to be offering a no-cost tai chi program funded by the government and attempted to direct the recipient toward downloading an application to register.
This type of report is concerning because it exploits trust in legitimate government services. The caller's approach of offering a free program combined with a request to download an app follows a common pattern used by scammers to gain access to personal information or device vulnerabilities.
What the Caller from 04 8584 2017 Said
According to the contributor's report, the caller from 0485842017 specifically claimed affiliation with the Australian government and offered participation in a no-cost tai chi program. The call shifted quickly toward registration requirements and included a request for the recipient to download an application.
The contributor described the approach as a registration process tied to program access, suggesting the scammer intended to collect personal details through the app signup or gain device access through the download. No mention of payment was initially made, which is a common tactic to lower the recipient's suspicion before revealing additional requirements or harvesting data.
How This Number Operates
The call from 04 8584 2017 came through as a mobile number (Pivotel satellite service). This choice of carrier is notable because satellite-based numbers can sometimes be harder to trace or block through standard phone filters. The contributor answered the call, received the pitch, and immediately took action by deleting and blocking the number.
What to Do If You Receive a Call from 04 8584 2017
If 04 8584 2017 calls you:
- Do not: Download any apps recommended during the call, provide personal information, or transfer money despite claims of government affiliation
- Do: Hang up immediately, block the number, and verify any government program claims directly through official channels (e.g., call Services Australia on 13 28 61 or visit servicesaustralia.gov.au)
- Remember: Genuine Australian government programs will never cold-call requesting app downloads or immediate registration
How to Report 04 8584 2017
If you receive a similar call from 0485842017 or other suspicious numbers:
- Report to Scamwatch at scamwatch.gov.au with details of the call, including the time, what was offered, and any requests made
- Report to the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) at acma.gov.au to help flag the number for investigation
- Report to ReportCyber at cyber.gov.au if the scammer requested app downloads or device access
- Block the number immediately in your phone settings to prevent repeat calls
- Share your experience on Reverseau to alert other Australians about 04 8584 2017
Help others by sharing your experience with 0485 842 017!
WRITE A REVIEWRatings Distribution
What Our Users Reviewed
Claimed to be offering no-cost tai chi program from Aussie government, wanted me to register and download an app, deleted and blocked
Help others by sharing your experience with 0485 842 017!
WRITE A REVIEWFrequently Asked Questions
Should I ever download an app from a caller claiming to represent the Australian government?
No. Legitimate Australian government services will not cold-call you requesting app downloads. If you receive such a request from 04 8584 2017 or any unknown number, hang up immediately. Instead, visit the official government website directly or call the agency's published phone number to verify any program.
Why would a scammer offer a free tai chi program to get me to download an app?
Free programs are a common lure used by scammers because they lower your initial suspicion. Once you download the app from a call claiming to be from 04 8584 2017 (0485842017), the scammer gains access to your device data, personal information entered during registration, or credentials stored on your phone. This data can then be sold or used for identity theft.
How do I verify if a government program mentioned by 0485842017 is real?
Do not rely on information from the caller. Instead, independently contact Services Australia on 13 28 61, visit servicesaustralia.gov.au, or check Scamwatch at scamwatch.gov.au for current legitimate government programs. Real government services have published contact details and will not pressure you to download apps during cold calls.
What should I do if I already downloaded an app after speaking with 04 8584 2017?
Delete the app immediately and change passwords for any sensitive accounts (email, banking, government portals). Monitor your accounts for suspicious activity. Consider reporting the incident to ReportCyber at cyber.gov.au and contacting your bank if financial details were requested. Also report 04 8584 2017 to Scamwatch and ACMA.
Why is 0485842017 listed as a satellite mobile number instead of a regular mobile?
The number 04 8584 2017 is registered to a satellite service provider (Pivotel). Scammers sometimes use satellite or VoIP-based numbers because they can be harder to trace and block through standard phone network filters. This is a common tactic used by fraudsters to avoid immediate detection.
Can I block 04 8584 2017 to prevent future calls?
Yes. In your phone settings, add 04 8584 2017 (or 0485842017) to your blocked contacts list. However, scammers often use multiple numbers, so if you receive similar calls from other numbers with the same pitch, treat them with the same suspicion and report each one to Scamwatch and ACMA.