04 8999 0122 - 0489990122: Impersonation Scam Targeting Mandarin Speakers

• Suspicious
• Scam

Community reports for 04 8999 0122 (0489990122) describe impersonation scam calls in Mandarin targeting Chinese-speaking Australians. Caller poses as acquaintance.

Impersonation Scam Reports for 04 8999 0122

Four contributors have reported calls from 04 8999 0122 (also written as 0489990122), with one explicitly identifying the call as a full-on scam. The most specific report describes a caller impersonating an acquaintance and deliberately targeting Mandarin speakers. This impersonation tactic suggests a coordinated effort to exploit language barriers and familiarity, making victims more likely to trust the caller and comply with requests.

The remaining reports indicate uncertainty or suspicion, with contributors noting the caller spoke Mandarin or Chinese and describing the calls as unsettling enough to make them reconsider answering future calls from 0489990122.

What Callers from 04 8999 0122 Say

The most detailed report about 04 8999 0122 indicates the caller claimed to be a known person or friend, using this false identity to gain trust from Mandarin-speaking recipients. This impersonation approach is particularly effective because it bypasses initial scepticism - victims are more likely to engage when they believe they recognise the caller.

Other contributors reported hearing Mandarin or Chinese being spoken during calls from 0489990122, with the language choice appearing deliberate. One contributor described "chattering in Chinese" that prompted concern, suggesting the caller may have been speaking to others in the background or using recorded audio.

Report Patterns and Timing

All four reports of 04 8999 0122 were received within a four-day window in late November 2025, with calls occurring at various times including early morning hours (04:27 and 06:49) and overnight (01:26). This clustering of reports within a short timeframe suggests active recent activity from this number.

The calls came through answered channels, meaning contributors picked up and heard the caller directly. The mobile service provider (Pivotel Satellite) allocated to 0489990122 suggests this number may be using satellite connectivity, though this does not confirm caller location or legitimacy.

What to Do If You Receive a Call from 04 8999 0122

If 04 8999 0122 calls you:

• Do not: Assume the caller is who they claim to be, even if they mention a name or personal details you recognise. Scammers using impersonation tactics often have access to personal information.
• Do: Hang up immediately and call the person they claimed to be using a known contact number to verify the call was genuine.
• Do: Block 0489990122 if the call seemed suspicious or you felt pressured to act quickly.
• Do not: Share personal information, send money, or provide banking details during the call, regardless of what the caller claims.
• Do: Be especially cautious if the caller speaks to you in your primary language and creates a sense of familiarity or urgency.

How to Report 04 8999 0122

If you receive a scam call from 04 8999 0122 (0489990122), report it to the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) via their online form at acma.gov.au. You can also report the number to Scamwatch at scamwatch.gov.au, which maintains a public database of reported scam numbers.

For calls targeting you based on language or cultural background, consider reporting to ReportCyber at cyber.gov.au, which helps track culturally-targeted fraud. Contributing your experience to Reverseau also helps other Australians recognise calls from 04 8999 0122 and protect themselves.

Frequently Asked Questions