- Scam
04 9807 7789 (0498077789): One contributor reported a sophisticated Telstra impersonation call involving fake discount offers, SMS code phishing, and multi-step identity verification tactics.
Telstra Impersonation and Phishing Reports for 04 9807 7789
A contributor has reported receiving a call from 04 9807 7789 (also written as 0498077789) claiming to be from Telstra with a legitimate-sounding 50% discount offer on mobile bills for 6 months. What made this scam particularly sophisticated was the caller's use of correct personal information and multi-layered verification requests designed to extract sensitive account access codes.
The caller on 0498077789 demonstrated knowledge of the contributor's name, address, date of birth, and Telstra ID number, which immediately appeared credible. This level of detail suggests the scammer may have sourced information from a previous data breach or compromised database. The caller then systematically requested verification codes through multiple channels, each time claiming the process was standard Telstra procedure.
What Callers from 04 9807 7789 Claim and Request
According to the report about 04 9807 7789, the caller followed a structured script designed to build trust and extract sensitive information step by step. The initial hook was a generous discount offer that seemed too good to miss, creating urgency and receptiveness in the target.
The caller then requested confirmation of personal details already in their possession, which reinforced the appearance of legitimacy. When the contributor asked why the SMS code came from "Microsoft", the scammer provided a plausible explanation: that the Microsoft account linked through email to the Telstra account made this normal. This tactic exploited the victim's uncertainty about how different systems might integrate.
A particularly concerning aspect of the 0498077789 scam was the request for Service NSW verification codes. The caller quoted the contributor's driver's license number, card number, and expiry date accurately, then asked the contributor to provide the verification code the caller claimed to have sent. This multi-authentication approach was designed to bypass security measures that typically require only a single code for account takeover.
Throughout the call, the scammer used psychological pressure by stating "We are 90% through the process", implying the contributor was nearly complete with a legitimate procedure and encouraging them to provide the final code without further scrutiny.
Why This Scam Was Nearly Successful
The sophistication of the 04 9807 7789 scam lies in its use of accurate personal information combined with plausible explanations for unusual requests. Rather than asking for passwords directly, the caller requested SMS verification codes, which are often treated as legitimate security measures by victims.
The scammer's knowledge of the contributor's Telstra ID, driver's license details, and the ability to send SMS codes created a false sense of official process. By breaking the verification into multiple steps and repeatedly claiming progress ("90% through"), the caller overcame the victim's natural caution.
What to Do If You Receive a Call from 04 9807 7789
If 04 9807 7789 calls you or you receive similar calls claiming to be from Telstra or other service providers:
- Do not: Provide SMS codes, verification numbers, or OTP (one-time passwords) to anyone who contacts you first, regardless of how credible they sound
- Do not: Confirm sensitive details like driver's license numbers, card numbers, or expiry dates over the phone to an unsolicited caller
- Do not: Allow the caller to control the pace or create time pressure with statements like "we're running out of time" or "this process is nearly complete"
- Do: Hang up immediately if any caller requests verification codes, SMS codes, or OTPs
- Do: Contact Telstra directly using the official number on your bill or from telstra.com.au to verify any offer or account concern
- Do: Remember that legitimate companies never ask for verification codes sent via SMS or email - they already have these in their systems
How to Report 04 9807 7789
If you receive a call from 04 9807 7789 or fall victim to a similar scam, report it to the following Australian authorities:
- Scamwatch (scamwatch.gov.au) - Report the scam and view alerts about common impersonation scams affecting Australian phone users
- ACMA (acma.gov.au) - Report the phone number to the Australian Communications and Media Authority, which tracks malicious calling patterns
- Telstra directly - If the scammer claimed to be from Telstra, notify the company's fraud team via your account or their official contact channels
- ReportCyber (cyber.gov.au) - Report phishing and credential theft attempts to the Australian Cyber Security Centre
- Reverseau - Contribute your report to help other Australians identify and avoid this number
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What Our Users Reviewed
I received a call from this number saying they were from Telstra and offering me a 50% discount on my bills for 6 months. The caller then when though all my peraonal details, like my name address DOB and Telstra ID number asking me if these details were correct. She then said she would need to verify that I was the account holder and asked me to provide the SMS code she sent to me. I became suspicious when the code was sent via "Microsoft", she said that was normal as the microsoft account (through email) is linked to my Telstra account. I thought OK, she then asked for further verification regarding my state and that she would send a code via SERVICE NSW regarding my drivers license, she quoted my license number, card number and expiry date (all of which were correct) and then asked me to provide the Service NSW code she had send via text. She kept saying "We are 90% through the process" at this point I told her I was very concerned about all this and ended the conversation. I rang Telstra immediately and confirmed that no offer existed.
Help others by sharing your experience with 0498 077 789!
WRITE A REVIEWFrequently Asked Questions
Why did the scammer know so many correct details about me if they called 04 9807 7789?
The caller from 04 9807 7789 likely obtained your personal information (name, address, DOB, driver's license details) from a data breach or compromised database rather than directly from Telstra. Scammers purchase bulk personal information from illegal sources online, which makes their initial claims appear credible. This is why they can quote specific details like your license card number and expiry date - they already had this data before dialling 0498077789. Telstra would never ask you to confirm information they already have on file.
Is it normal for Telstra to send verification codes via SMS from "Microsoft"?
No. Telstra would never send verification codes through Microsoft or claim that a Microsoft account is linked to your Telstra mobile account for security verification. This was a red flag in the 04 9807 7789 scam. The scammer's explanation that this was "normal" was false. If you ever receive a code from 0498077789 or similar numbers claiming to be from Telstra, and the code origin seems unusual, hang up immediately and call Telstra directly using the number on your bill.
Should I provide SMS verification codes if someone from 04 9807 7789 claims they need them for account verification?
Absolutely not. Never provide SMS verification codes, OTPs (one-time passwords), or any code sent to your phone to anyone who calls you - even if they sound legitimate and claim to work for Telstra or your bank. This is the core technique used by the 0498077789 scammer and thousands of others. Legitimate companies already have access to these codes in their systems and would never ask you to read them aloud. If someone calling from 04 9807 7789 or any number requests a code, hang up immediately.
What should I do if I already provided verification codes to a caller from 04 9807 7789?
Contact Telstra immediately on the official number from your bill or telstra.com.au and tell them you may have been compromised. Change your Telstra account password and any linked email passwords. Monitor your account for unauthorised activity. If the scammer also obtained Service NSW verification codes, contact Service NSW (service.nsw.gov.au) and advise them of potential account compromise. Report the number 0498077789 to Scamwatch (scamwatch.gov.au) and ACMA (acma.gov.au) so authorities are aware of this active scam targeting Telstra customers.
Why would a scammer call from 04 9807 7789 and use multiple verification steps?
The caller from 04 9807 7789 used multiple verification requests (SMS code, then Service NSW code) to appear more legitimate and to progressively extract access codes that would grant account takeover. By breaking the scam into steps and saying "we're 90% through the process", the caller from 0498077789 was creating psychological momentum and urgency, making the victim feel they were already committed to a legitimate process. Each step reinforced the false appearance of a real Telstra verification procedure, making the victim less likely to question the next request.
How can I tell if a call claiming to be from Telstra is actually from 04 9807 7789 or a real representative?
Real Telstra representatives will never ask you to provide verification codes sent via SMS. If someone calling from 04 9807 7789 or any unsolicited number requests a code, it is definitely a scam. Additionally, if the caller already has your personal details and uses them to build credibility, then immediately pivots to requesting codes you receive during the call, this is a classic impersonation pattern. Always hang up and call Telstra back using the official number on your bill or their website to verify any offer or account concern. This breaks the scammer's control of the conversation and connects you with legitimate Telstra staff.