0498 375 783 - Scam Alert: Bank Impersonation and Phishing Attempts

• Scam

The number 0498 375 783 has been reported as a scam, impersonating major banks like Westpac and NAB. Learn how to identify and handle suspicious calls or messages from this number.

Identifying the Threat: 0498 375 783

The phone number 0498 375 783 / 0498375783 has raised significant alarm among users, being identified as a notorious source of scam communications. This number is primarily associated with bank impersonation scams, specifically targeting customers of major Australian banks such as Westpac and National Australia Bank (NAB).

Nature of the Scam

Reports indicate that the number has been used to send fraudulent text messages designed to provoke panic regarding suspicious banking activity. One user described a scam text claiming there was an attempted transaction of $538.78 at Woolworths, supposedly alerting them to an account breach. The message urged recipients to click a link to cancel the transaction, which is a classic phishing tactic aimed at harvesting personal banking credentials.

Another concerning report highlighted that this number not only impersonates Westpac but also poses as NAB, leading people to believe they are interacting with legitimate financial institutions. This alarming behaviour places victims at severe risk, as falling for these scams can result in lost funds from their banks.

How to Respond

If you receive a call or text from 0498 375 783 / 0498375783, it is vital to remain cautious. Here are some recommended steps:

• Do not click on any links provided in messages from this number.
• Verify the authenticity of any communication received by contacting your bank directly through official contact numbers listed on their website.
• Report any suspicious activities to local authorities and your bank to prevent further incidents.
• Consider using a service like Reverseau for a reverse phone lookup to identify the number before engaging with it.

Given the numerous reports of scams linked to 0498 375 783 / 0498375783, it is classified as a serious threat. Protect yourself and others by staying informed and alert against such deceptive tactics. Remember, legitimate banks will never ask you to confirm personal details or click links in unsolicited messages. Awareness is the first step in safeguarding your personal and financial information.