0490 401 996: Scam - Caller Posing as a Government Agency

• Scam

The number 0490 401 996 has been reported as a scam targeting Australians. Learn how to identify calls from this number and the best practices for handling them.

Understanding the Scam Behind 0490 401 996

The phone number 0490 401 996 has raised significant alarm bells among users who have reported it as a scam. Specifically, it appears that the caller is impersonating officials from a government agency, attempting to extract sensitive personal information under false pretenses.

Classification: Scam

Upon reviewing user reports, it's clear that many individuals experienced similar encounters with this number. They report receiving unsolicited calls, where the caller claims to be from a government body, often discussing matters about tax obligations or personal legal situations, which is a common tactic employed by scammers.

Details of the Scam

This particular scam is designed to instill fear and pressure the recipients into providing their personal details, such as their tax file number or bank account information. The use of governmental language and authoritative tones makes it more convincing. Victims might encounter threats suggesting dire consequences if they fail to comply, heightening the urgency of the situation.

How to Handle Calls from This Number

• Do not engage with the caller. Simply hang up if you suspect it's a scam.
• Do not provide any personal information, including payment details or identification numbers.
• Verify the legitimacy of the call through official government websites or by contacting the agency directly using verified contact numbers.
• Report the number to authorities such as the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) or the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA).

Staying Informed with Reverseau

For those who wish to avoid falling victim to such scams, utilising services like Reverseau can be beneficial. By employing the Reverse Phone Lookup Australia feature, you can identify unknown callers and protect yourself from potential scams. Always remember, if you're ever in doubt about a number, it's essential to ask: Who Called Me Australia?