- Scam
- Suspicious
Community reports for 04 8997 9941 (0489979941): Caller impersonated car buyer to deceive contributor into paying for fraudulent vehicle report.
Impersonation Scam Reports for 04 8997 9941
Two contributors have reported scam activity from 04 8997 9941 (also written as 0489979941), with at least one involving impersonation tactics. A recent report describes a caller who posed as a car buyer, using the false identity to manipulate the contributor into paying for a fraudulent vehicle inspection report. This type of deception targets sellers and buyers in the vehicle marketplace who are attempting to verify purchase legitimacy.
The pattern suggests deliberate social engineering rather than random spam. The caller's ability to engage in conversation and establish false credibility indicates a structured scam rather than automated calling. Contributors flagged 0489979941 as untrustworthy, with one noting frustration about the lack of intervention from telecommunications providers.
What Callers from 04 8997 9941 Have Done
One contributor reported that the caller from 04 8997 9941 impersonated a genuine car buyer, creating a false sense of legitimacy around a vehicle transaction. The scammer then convinced the contributor to pay for what was presented as a professional vehicle report, which turned out to be fraudulent or worthless. This tactic exploits the natural trust people extend during legitimate business transactions.
The use of impersonation suggests the caller had at least surface knowledge of vehicle sales processes or access to common sales language. No reports indicate the caller claimed affiliation with specific automotive services or inspection companies, though the scam centred on producing fake documentation for monetary gain.
Report Patterns
Both reports for 04 8997 9941 came through answered calls, indicating the number is actively dialling and connecting with recipients. Contributors answered and engaged with the caller, allowing the scammer time to establish their false identity and make their pitch. No information about call timing or frequency patterns is available from current reports, though the scam required direct conversation rather than automated messaging.
What to Do If You Receive a Call from 04 8997 9941
If 04 8997 9941 calls you:
- Do not: Engage with claims about vehicle transactions, agree to pay for reports, or provide banking details or payment information
- Do not: Return the call if you miss it, as callback confirmation could add your number to active scam lists
- Do: Hang up immediately if the caller claims to be a car buyer or seller you don't recognise
- Do: Verify vehicle transactions independently by contacting buyers or sellers through official platforms (Carsales, Facebook Marketplace verified contacts)
- Do: Block 0489979941 to prevent repeated contact
- Do: Check your bank account and credit card statements for any unauthorised charges if you engaged with the caller
How to Report 04 8997 9941
If you've received a scam call from 04 8997 9941 (0489979941) and lost money:
- Report to Scamwatch (scamwatch.gov.au) with details of the transaction and any payment reference numbers
- Contact ACMA (acma.gov.au) to formally log the number for investigation
- Report to ReportCyber (cyber.gov.au) if any personal data was compromised
- Notify your bank or payment provider immediately if you made any payments
- Report the scam on Reverseau to help other contributors identify 04 8997 9941
About the Number 04 8997 9941
04 8997 9941 is registered to Pivotel Satellite Pty Limited as a mobile number. The use of a satellite mobile provider is notable, as such numbers can be harder to trace and block at network level. The allocation to a satellite provider suggests either legitimate use for remote areas or deliberate selection for scam operations due to enhanced anonymity.
Help others by sharing your experience with 0489 979 941!
WRITE A REVIEWRatings Distribution
What Our Users Reviewed
Automated message claiming to be federal police, obviously a con
Bloke said he was ringing from my bank, yeah nah
Total scammer, when will the telco sort this out
Pretended to be a car buyer, got me to pay for a dodgy report
Help others by sharing your experience with 0489 979 941!
WRITE A REVIEWFrequently Asked Questions
What happened when the caller from 04 8997 9941 contacted contributors?
One contributor reported that 04 8997 9941 (0489979941) called pretending to be a car buyer. The scammer then convinced them to pay for a vehicle inspection report that turned out to be fraudulent. This impersonation tactic exploited the natural trust in vehicle marketplace transactions.
How can I tell if a car buyer call is legitimate?
Legitimate car buyers will contact you through the platform where you listed the vehicle (Carsales, Facebook Marketplace, etc.) and use those official messaging systems. They won't cold call claiming to be buyers. If 0489979941 or any unknown number calls about a vehicle, hang up and contact the caller through the original listing platform to verify their identity.
What should I do if I already paid money to 04 8997 9941?
Contact your bank or payment provider immediately and report the fraudulent transaction. Report 0489979941 to Scamwatch (scamwatch.gov.au) and ACMA (acma.gov.au) with payment details and the time of the call. Check your account for any additional unauthorised charges from 04 8997 9941 or related numbers.
Can I block 04 8997 9941 on my phone?
Yes. Most Australian phones allow you to block numbers in Settings (iPhone) or Call Settings (Android). Block 0489979941 to prevent future calls from this number. However, scammers often use multiple numbers, so stay cautious with other unknown callers claiming to be car buyers.
Why is 04 8997 9941 registered to a satellite provider?
04 8997 9941 is allocated to Pivotel Satellite Pty Limited. Satellite mobile numbers are sometimes targeted by scammers because they're harder to block at network level and may appear less recognisable as mainstream Australian telco numbers, making them slightly more likely to be answered.
Should I report 04 8997 9941 to the police?
Yes, if you lost money. Report to Scamwatch (scamwatch.gov.au) first, which feeds into law enforcement investigations. If 0489979941 took significant funds, you can file a complaint with local police. ACMA (acma.gov.au) also accepts reports of fraudulent numbers for carrier-level investigation.