- Scam
Community report for 0495 006 517 (0495006517): SMS claiming phone damage, requesting reply to temporary number to lure callback.
Callback Lure SMS Scam from 0495 006 517
One contributor reported receiving an SMS from 0495 006 517 (also written as 0495006517) with a callback lure tactic. The message claimed the recipient's phone was damaged and requested they reply to a different temporary number. This is a classic scam method designed to redirect victims to a fraudulent contact point.
The contributor recognised the tactic immediately and did not engage with the request, instead reporting the message as a scam and deleting it. This demonstrates how callback lure scams work: scammers send unsolicited SMS messages with false claims to prompt victims to contact an alternate number, which is typically controlled by the scammer or used to verify active phone numbers for further targeting.
What the SMS from 0495 006 517 Said
The message received from 0495 006 517 falsely claimed the recipient's phone had been damaged. It then instructed the recipient to send a reply to a temporary phone number provided in the SMS. This type of message is designed to bypass normal communication channels and establish direct contact through a number the scammer controls.
The temporary number tactic is particularly effective for scammers because it distances the scam from the originating number (0495006517) and creates a sense of urgency or legitimacy by suggesting the victim needs to use an alternative contact method. Once a victim replies to the temporary number, scammers can escalate to financial demands, personal information requests, or further manipulation.
Why Callback Lure Scams Target You
Scammers using callback lure tactics via SMS are typically trying to achieve one or more goals: verify that your phone number is active and monitored (to sell to other scammers), establish a direct communication channel they control, or set up a follow-up conversation where they can execute a secondary scam. By sending a message claiming phone damage, they tap into a common fear and create artificial urgency.
The use of a temporary number also allows scammers to remain harder to track and to manage multiple victims through disposable contact points. When you reply to the temporary number, you've confirmed your number is active and you're potentially responsive to their messaging.
What to Do If You Receive an SMS from 0495 006 517
If 0495 006 517 sends you an SMS:
- Do not: Reply to the message, click any links, or contact any temporary number mentioned in the SMS
- Do not: Provide personal information, phone details, or banking information in response
- Do: Delete the message immediately
- Do: Block the number 0495006517 in your phone settings
- Do: Mark the SMS as spam or junk in your messaging app
- Do: Report the number to your mobile service provider
- Do: Forward the SMS to 0429 999 888 (ACMA's Report Unwanted Calls service)
How to Report 0495 006 517
If you receive scam SMS messages from 0495 006 517 or any similar callback lure attempt, report it through multiple channels to help protect other Australians:
- Report to ACMA: Forward the SMS to 0429 999 888 or visit acma.gov.au to lodge a formal complaint about the number 0495006517
- Report to Scamwatch: Document the message content and date, then report to scamwatch.gov.au with details about the callback lure attempt
- Report on Reverseau: Contribute your experience with 0495 006 517 to help other Australians identify and avoid this scam
- Contact your provider: Report the SMS to your mobile carrier (Telstra, Vodafone, Optus, or other provider) so they can block similar messages
Help others by sharing your experience with 0495 006 517!
WRITE A REVIEWRatings Distribution
What Our Users Reviewed
Someone sent a message to my phone and I got no idea what it was said that the phone was damaged and needed me to send back a message to another temporarily number.
I did do it as I know that’s from a scammer.
Finally I reported scam and deleted it.
Text from a mobile saying my phone got damaged and asking me to message a new number back, obvious fraud so I binned it
Help others by sharing your experience with 0495 006 517!
WRITE A REVIEWFrequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I already replied to the temporary number in the SMS from 0495 006 517?
If you replied to the temporary number mentioned in an SMS from 0495 006 517, take these steps immediately: block both 0495006517 and the temporary number, monitor your phone for follow-up calls or messages, and do not engage further. If you provided any personal information, contact your bank and services (such as myGov) to check for unauthorised activity. Report the scam to Scamwatch (scamwatch.gov.au) and ACMA (acma.gov.au) so they can investigate the callback lure operation.
Is 0495006517 a legitimate company number?
No. The SMS from 0495 006 517 claiming phone damage and requesting a callback to a temporary number is a scam tactic. Legitimate companies do not ask you to reply to temporary numbers via SMS, do not claim your phone is damaged without context, and do not use callback lure methods. If you're unsure about a message, contact the company directly using an official number from their website, never by replying to the suspicious SMS.
Why do scammers use callback lure tactics in SMS messages?
Scammers use callback lure tactics like those from 0495 006 517 because they allow scammers to: (1) verify your number is active and you read messages, (2) establish contact through a number they control rather than the originating number, and (3) create a false sense of urgency so you act without thinking. By asking you to contact a temporary number instead of responding directly, they make it harder to trace the scam. The claim about phone damage is designed to trigger concern and immediate action.
What happens if I contact the temporary number from the 0495 006 517 SMS?
Contacting the temporary number provided in an SMS from 0495 006 517 puts you at direct risk. Once you reply or call, scammers will typically escalate to: requesting personal details (name, address, date of birth), asking for financial information or banking details, threatening legal action, or attempting to sell you fake services or products. The callback lure is designed to move you into a conversation where manipulation is easier. Do not engage with temporary numbers in unsolicited SMS messages.
How can I block 0495006517 on my phone?
Most Australian phones allow you to block numbers easily. On iPhone: open the message from 0495 006 517, tap the number, and select 'Block this Caller'. On Android: open the SMS from 0495006517, tap the three-dot menu, and select 'Block number'. You can also go to your phone's Settings > Calls/Messages > Blocked Numbers and manually add 0495006517. After blocking, report the number to ACMA by forwarding the SMS to 0429 999 888.
Should I report this to my mobile provider even though I deleted the SMS from 0495 006 517?
Yes. Even if you've deleted the message from 0495 006 517, report it to your mobile service provider (Telstra, Vodafone, Optus, etc.). They keep records of reported scams and use this data to identify patterns and block numbers at the network level. Additionally, report 0495006517 to ACMA (acma.gov.au) and Scamwatch (scamwatch.gov.au) so regulatory authorities can track the callback lure operation and take enforcement action.