0493 152 494 - Notorious Scam Impersonating Banks and Tax Authorities

• Scam
• Spam

The number 0493 152 494 has been flagged by users as a spam caller impersonating ANZ Bank and the ATO. Learn how to identify and handle calls or messages from this number safely.

Identifying the Threat: 0493 152 494

The phone number 0493 152 494 / 0493152494 has emerged as a significant concern among Australian users. Multiple reports have categorically classified this number as a scam, indicating attempts to impersonate reputable institutions such as ANZ Bank and the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). The alarming nature of these communications raises an important question: how should you deal with a call from this number?

What Users Are Reporting

Upon investigation, several users detailed their encounters with this number:

• On 16 January 2022, a user reported receiving a voicemail that purported to be from ANZ Bank, creating an aura of legitimacy.
• Shortly after, on 25 January 2022, another report surfaced claiming a suspicious SMS directed recipients to click a link associated with a tax evasion warning from the ATO. Such tactics are typical of phishing schemes aimed at harvesting personal information.
• Finally, on 5 February 2022, users received alarming messages regarding unauthorised payments related to Xbox. This attempt to incite panic also serves as a method to elicit sensitive information.

Classification and Analysis

Based on these reports, 0493 152 494 / 0493152494 is undoubtedly categorised as a scam number engaging in various fraudulent activities:

• Phishing Scams: These include impersonations of financial institutions (like ANZ Bank) and government agencies (such as the ATO), attempting to extract personal or financial details from unsuspecting victims.
• Fraudulent Payment Notifications: The references to unauthorised payments seeking immediate attention encourage recipients to act recklessly, elevating the risk of engaging with the scam.

How to Handle Calls or Messages from 0493 152 494

If you receive a call or message from this number, here are steps you can take:

• Do Not Engage: Avoid answering or responding to unknown numbers, especially those listed as spam by other users.
• Verify Independently: If the caller claims to be from a legitimate institution, hang up and contact them through official channels to check the validity of the message.
• Report the Number: Utilise the Reverse Phone Lookup Australia tool on Reverseau or report the scam directly to the relevant authorities, such as the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).
• Block the Number: Use your phone’s features to block the number and prevent further contact.

In conclusion, the number 0493 152 494 / 0493152494 is a cautionary reminder of the evolving scams targeting Australian consumers today. It is crucial to remain vigilant and informed about these schemes to protect yourself from becoming a victim. By taking proactive measures and employing tools like Reverseau, you can defend against these sneaky telemarketers and scammers.