0491 451 138: Suspicious SMS from Impersonating Bendigo Bank

• Scam

The number 0491 451 138 has been reported as suspicious, claiming to be from Bendigo Bank about a suspended account. Discover how to identify similar scams and the right steps to protect your information.

In recent reports, the phone number 0491 451 138 has been flagged as suspicious, with user experiences indicating a potential phishing attempt disguised as a communication from Bendigo Bank. This particular type of scam falls under the category of impersonation scams where fraudsters claim to represent legitimate organisations to exploit unsuspecting individuals.

One notable user review from 02/09/2022 remarked receiving an SMS from this number, stating that their “account has been suspended,” followed by a link urging the recipient to click for further details. As a rule of thumb, any time you receive a message of this nature - especially if you have no relationship with the entity claiming to reach out to you - it’s crucial to remain cautious.

• Impersonation of Legitimate Institutions: Scammers frequently use established names like Bendigo Bank to lend credibility to their messages. However, if you don’t have an account with them, or if the tone of the message seems alarming, it's a significant red flag.
• Suspicious Links: The presence of a link in unsolicited messages is a classic tactic used by scammers. Clicking such links can lead to phishing websites designed to harvest your personal and banking information. In this case, following the user’s advice is paramount: DON'T CLICK IT!
• Handling Unwanted Calls or Messages: If you receive communication from 0491 451 138 / 0491451138 or similar numbers, it’s advisable to report the number through a Reverse Phone Lookup Australia service, such as Reverseau, to understand more about who called you. Additionally, you may consider blocking the number to prevent future contact.

In conclusion, 0491 451 138 / 0491451138 is not a legitimate representative of Bendigo Bank but rather a suspicious entity to approach with caution. Protect yourself by being vigilant about the information you receive over the phone or through SMS. Always verify the source using trusted means before sharing any personal data.