- Suspicious
- Spam
- Scam
- Uncertain
The phone number 0488 885 319 has been reported as a scam attempting to deceive individuals regarding fake electricity bills from Origin Energy. Learn how to handle calls from this number and protect your information.
Scam Revealed: 0488 885 319
The phone number 0488 885 319 / 0488885319 has been flagged by multiple users as part of a phishing scam targeting customers of Origin Energy. Using deceptive tactics, the caller poses as a representative seeking payment for nonexistent bills or asking for sensitive information.
The main modus operandi involves sending text messages that appear legitimate, claiming to inform individuals about their Origin Energy accounts. Messages often suggest that bills have been emailed or direct recipients to check their junk or spam folders for important communications. However, these claims are highly suspicious, and upon further inspection, users found nothing in their genuine inboxes.
Types of Scams Reported
- Fake Billing Notifications: Scammers send messages regarding overdue payments, falsely claiming due amounts and threatening disconnection of service.
- Phishing Attempts: Users reported requests for personal or payment information, deceptively linking to fraudulent websites.
For instance, on 20 January 2023, reports indicated that the number attempted to lure recipients into providing additional payments under the guise of being from Origin regarding utility bills. Other messages invariably suggested phantom debts, often citing specific amounts such as $1082.26, further exacerbating the panic. A notable report on 16 July 2023 even detailed a comparison to the genuine service provider's contact number, highlighting the intent to deceive.
How to Handle Calls from 0488 885 319
If you receive a call or text from this number, follow these guidelines to safeguard yourself:
- Do Not Engage: Avoid responding to messages or returning calls from this number.
- Verify Independently: Contact Origin Energy directly using their official numbers, such as 13 24 61, to check any account-related concerns.
- Report the Incident: Notify local authorities or consumer protection agencies about the scam to help trace and shut down the scam operations.
Always rely on trustworthy sources and official communication. Remember, legitimate companies will never pressure you for unsolicited personal or payment information. Stay cautious and protect yourself from potential fraud.
Help others by sharing your experience with 0488 885 319!
WRITE A REVIEWRatings Distribution
What Our Users Reviewed
So, I get this message right after I put in a request for a refund through Origin. I've already given them all the info they need, and then I get this strange, overly polite message asking for my details again. Seems a bit dodgy to me!
I got a call from Origin regarding my solar non-energy account. They mentioned that they would be calling shortly to discuss this matter.
Looks so genuine but it's energy bill scam, please be careful everyone.
This number sending me text on behalf of Origin energy saying I owed bills over.
Aud $4000 & $700 debts.
This phone number belongs to a scammer who is using a fake account to solicit money from individuals. Please be cautious and report any similar experiences.
The message I received was from someone named Jack, claiming to be a Credit Specialist from Origin Energy. He was following up on an outstanding amount of $1,082.26 on my Origin Solar account, urging me to call them for assistance in clearing the balance. He also provided the number 1300 832 854 as their official contact.
I received a scam SMS that claimed to be from Origin Energy, asking for payment or to call the number 1300 108 392. However, the real Origin Energy contact number is 13 24 61, indicating this is a fraudulent attempt.
I just got an email warning me to check my spam for a message about my Origin Electricity account. Given the suspicious nature of the email, I am confident this is a scam designed to trick people.
I received two types of SMS from this number. One was a generic message from Origin Energy about my electricity bill being emailed, advising to check my junk/spam folder if I didn't see it. The second one was a threatening message about an overdue payment of $286.90 for electricity, including a link and a phone number that has been reported to be linked to scams: 1300 832 854.
I received a vague message from this number that simply stated: "Just letting you know your Origin." It was unclear what this meant or why they contacted me.
I received a message stating: "Hi, just letting you know that your Origin hot water bill has now been emailed. If it’s not in your inbox, please check your junk/spam folder. Thanks, Origin." However, I checked both my inbox and spam folder and found no such email, which makes me suspect that it could be a phishing attempt.
I received a message from this number asking me to check my email for a message from Origin, but it wasn't clear what the message was about.
Also saying Origin bill has been sent via email.
I received a text claiming that an Origin bill has been sent, instructing me to check my inbox. This message is potentially a scam trying to obtain personal information under the guise of a bill notification.
It’sa scam trying to get you to pay extra on your electricity bills to a different account.