04 9896 0004 - 0498960004: Suspicious SMS and Missed Calls

• Uncertain
• Scam

2 reports for 04 9896 0004 (0498960004): Suspicious SMS messages with no context and unexplained missed calls. Possible phishing attempts.

Suspicious Activity Reports for 04 9896 0004

Two contributors have reported suspicious activity from 04 9896 0004 (also written as 0498960004), a Telstra mobile number. The pattern suggests potential phishing attempts, with vague SMS messages sent at unusual hours and unexplained missed calls that left no voicemail.

One contributor received SMS messages from 0498960004 with minimal content - "hi" on 12 December 2024 and "hello" on 2 January 2025 at 2:03 AM. The lack of context and early morning timing are characteristic of phishing probes, where scammers test whether a number is active before launching more elaborate attempts. Another report noted a missed call from 04 9896 0004 with no voicemail left, a common tactic used alongside SMS phishing.

What Contributors Reported About 04 9896 0004

The SMS messages from 0498960004 contained only greetings with no identifying information or legitimate business purpose. Contributors flagged the vagueness as suspicious, particularly given the late-night timing of the January message. This type of minimal-contact SMS is often used by scammers to:

• Confirm a phone number is active and monitored
• Test whether the recipient will respond or click embedded links
• Build a pattern of contact before requesting sensitive information or payment
• Establish trust through seemingly innocent initial messages

The missed call from 04 9896 0004 with no voicemail follows a similar pattern - contact without clear intent, possibly to trigger curiosity-based callback attempts.

Report Patterns and Timing

Both reports arrived within a 5-week window. The SMS messages were sent roughly 3 weeks apart (12 December 2024 and 2 January 2025), suggesting either a targeted individual or automated phishing probes cycling through number sequences. The 2:03 AM timestamp on the second message is particularly notable - legitimate businesses rarely contact customers at this hour, making it a red flag for automated or offshore scam operations.

The missed call was reported separately, indicating multiple contact methods from the same number within a short timeframe. This multi-channel approach (SMS and voice) is typical of phishing campaigns designed to catch victims through whichever method they're most likely to engage with.

What to Do If You Receive a Call from 04 9896 0004

If 04 9896 0004 calls you:

• Do not: Answer unknown numbers, return missed calls, or assume voicelessness means it's safe
• Do: Let calls go to voicemail, block the number immediately if you don't recognise the caller, check your bank and email accounts for unauthorised activity
• Do not: Feel obligated to return the call out of curiosity - this is exactly what phishing campaigns rely on

What to Do If You Receive an SMS from 04 9896 0004

If 0498960004 sends you an SMS:

• Do not: Click any links, reply to the message, or provide personal information
• Do not: Call any phone number mentioned in the message
• Do: Delete the message immediately
• Do: Block the number in your phone settings
• Do: Report the SMS as spam by forwarding it to 0429 999 888
• Do: Report the phishing attempt to ReportCyber at cyber.gov.au

If you receive multiple messages from 04 9896 0004 or suspect your number is on a phishing list, consider changing privacy settings on social media and email accounts to limit visibility of your contact details.

How to Report 04 9896 0004

If you've experienced suspicious contact from this number, report it through these Australian resources:

• Scamwatch: scamwatch.gov.au - report phishing attempts and SMS scams
• ACMA (Australian Communications and Media Authority): acma.gov.au - lodge complaints about unsolicited calls and SMS
• ReportCyber: cyber.gov.au - report phishing links and cyber threats
• Telstra: Contact Telstra directly to report a suspicious account on their network
• Reverseau: Contribute your own report on this number to help other Australians stay informed

Frequently Asked Questions