- Scam
One report for 04 9295 8816 (0492958816): WhatsApp message in Chinese requesting to 'get to know them'. Likely romance or social engineering scam.
WhatsApp Scam Reports for 04 9295 8816
A contributor has reported receiving a suspicious WhatsApp message from 04 9295 8816 (also written as 0492958816). The message was sent in Chinese and contained a casual request to 'get to know them', a common opening tactic in romance and social engineering scams targeting Australian mobile users.
This Telstra mobile number appears to be used for initiating contact via WhatsApp rather than voice calls. The use of a foreign language combined with a vague, friendly introduction is characteristic of scammers attempting to build rapport before escalating requests for personal information or money.
What Callers from 04 9295 8816 Are Doing
Based on the report, the account associated with 0492958816 is actively messaging on WhatsApp with generic social opening lines in Chinese. This approach is typical of:
- Romance scam initiation, where scammers pose as people interested in friendship or relationships
- Social engineering attempts to establish trust before requesting money or personal details
- Possible account compromise or hijacking being used to spread messages to multiple contacts
The informal tone and vague nature of the message from 04 9295 8816 are red flags that the sender is not a genuine contact.
Why This Matters
WhatsApp scams using mobile numbers like 0492958816 are increasingly common because messaging apps create a false sense of personal connection. Recipients may feel more inclined to engage with a 'friendly' message than a phone call, making them more vulnerable to manipulation. The use of Chinese-language messages suggests targeting of specific demographic groups, though scammers often cast wide nets.
What to Do If You Receive a Message from 04 9295 8816
If 0492958816 contacts you on WhatsApp or any other platform:
- Do not: Respond to the message, click any links, share personal information, or agree to video calls
- Do: Block the contact immediately, delete the message thread, and report the number as spam to WhatsApp
- If unsure: Search for the phone number independently (e.g., using Reverseau) before engaging
Do not assume the sender is genuine based on a friendly tone or casual introduction. Scammers deliberately mimic normal conversation to lower your guard.
How to Report 04 9295 8816
If you receive scam messages from this number, report it through the following channels:
- WhatsApp: Long-press the message or conversation and select 'Report' to notify WhatsApp directly
- Scamwatch: Submit your report at scamwatch.gov.au, including screenshots of the message and number
- ACMA: Report to the Australian Communications and Media Authority at acma.gov.au for potential network-level investigation
- ReportCyber: If the scam involves any financial loss or serious harm, report to cyber.gov.au
- Reverseau: Contribute your report here to alert other Australians receiving messages from 0492958816
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WhatsApp message in Chinese asking to get to know them
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WRITE A REVIEWFrequently Asked Questions
Is 04 9295 8816 a legitimate business number?
No. One contributor reported receiving an unsolicited WhatsApp message in Chinese from 04 9295 8816 with a vague 'get to know me' request. Legitimate businesses do not initiate contact this way. This number appears to be used for scam messaging.
What should I do if I've already responded to a message from 0492958816?
Stop communicating immediately and do not send any personal information, money, or financial details. Block 04 9295 8816 on WhatsApp and report the conversation as spam. Monitor your accounts for suspicious activity. If funds have been transferred, contact your bank urgently.
Why are scammers using WhatsApp instead of calling?
WhatsApp messages feel more personal and less threatening than phone calls, making recipients more likely to engage. Scammers using 04 9295 8816 on WhatsApp can also avoid voice identification and reach many targets quickly. Messages also create less obvious records of the scam attempt.
Does the Chinese language message mean it's targeted at Chinese Australians specifically?
Possibly. Scammers often use language-targeted messaging to increase engagement rates. However, 0492958816 may also be sending messages in multiple languages to different recipients. Regardless of language, unsolicited messages from 04 9295 8816 requesting to 'get to know' you are not legitimate.
Can I trace who is behind the WhatsApp account using 04 9295 8816?
Not reliably through WhatsApp alone. The account could be compromised, spoofed, or registered fraudulently. Report 0492958816 to Scamwatch (scamwatch.gov.au) and ACMA (acma.gov.au), which may be able to investigate the Telstra account associated with this mobile number.
Should I block 04 9295 8816 on my phone as well as WhatsApp?
Yes. Block 0492958816 across all platforms including WhatsApp, SMS, and regular phone calls. If you receive additional contacts from this number on other channels, report each one separately to Reverseau, Scamwatch, and WhatsApp to help track the scammer's activity.