- Scam
Community report for 08 5117 0514 (0851170514): Caller impersonated PayPal, sent phishing link, and attempted callback scam from alternate number.
PayPal Impersonation Reports for 08 5117 0514
One contributor has reported a scam call from 08 5117 0514 (also written as 0851170514) involving PayPal impersonation. The caller falsely claimed to represent PayPal and attempted to direct the contributor to a dodgy link, a common tactic used to steal login credentials and financial information.
What makes this report particularly noteworthy is the callback manipulation element. After the initial call from 08 5117 0514, the scammer called back from a different number, likely attempting to obscure the original source and increase the chance of the contributor answering. This multi-number approach is typical of organised scam operations targeting Australian phone users.
What the Caller from 08 5117 0514 Attempted
The contributor received a call from 08 5117 0514 with the caller claiming to represent PayPal. Rather than discussing an account issue directly, the scammer immediately pushed the contributor toward clicking a suspicious link, which would likely have harvested PayPal login details and other sensitive data.
When the contributor attempted to verify the call by ringing back, the line disconnected. This disconnection is deliberate - scammers use temporary or spoofed numbers to prevent verification and reduce the risk of being traced. The follow-up call from a different number suggests the scammer was attempting a second engagement after the initial approach failed.
Report Details and Timing
The report about 0851170514 was logged on 8 December 2025. The call was answered by the contributor, meaning the scammer successfully made contact, though the follow-up attempts were unsuccessful. The contributor's decision to question the link request and attempt callback verification prevented any financial loss or credential compromise in this instance.
What to Do If You Receive a Call from 08 5117 0514
If 08 5117 0514 calls you:
- Do not: Click any links sent via call or SMS, return calls to numbers provided by the caller, or share personal or financial information
- Do: Hang up immediately, independently verify by calling PayPal's official number (listed on your statement or PayPal.com), block the number, and report it to your phone provider
- Remember: Legitimate PayPal representatives will never ask you to click suspicious links or provide passwords during unsolicited calls
What to Do If You Receive an SMS from 08 5117 0514
If you receive a text message from 08 5117 0514 or any associated number:
- Do not: Click any links, reply to the message, or call the number back
- Do: Delete the message immediately, mark it as spam on your phone, and forward a copy to 0429 999 888 (ACMA spam reporting)
- Report it: Take a screenshot and report the SMS to PayPal directly through their official website or app
How to Report 08 5117 0514
If you've received a call or message from 08 5117 0514, report it to the following Australian authorities:
- ACMA (Australian Communications and Media Authority): Report the number and scam details at acma.gov.au or forward SMS spam to 0429 999 888
- Scamwatch: Lodge a detailed report at scamwatch.gov.au, including what the caller claimed and whether you clicked any links
- PayPal directly: Notify PayPal of the impersonation attempt through your account security settings or their official contact channels
- Reverseau: Contribute your experience to help other Australians identify this number and similar threats
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WRITE A REVIEWRatings Distribution
What Our Users Reviewed
Called claiming to be PayPal, wanted to send dodgy link, called back from different number, tried calling back and got disconnected
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WRITE A REVIEWFrequently Asked Questions
Why did the caller from 08 5117 0514 try to call back from a different number?
Scammers use multiple numbers or spoofed numbers to increase their chances of reaching targets and to make it harder to trace the original caller. If you don't answer from 08 5117 0514, they try again from another number. When you attempt to call back the original number like 0851170514, they often disconnect to prevent verification and to avoid being traced by authorities.
What would have happened if I clicked the link from 08 5117 0514?
Phishing links sent by callers impersonating PayPal typically lead to fake login pages that capture your PayPal email, password, and security details. Once scammers have your credentials, they can access your PayPal account, drain your balance, steal linked bank details, or use your account to send fraudulent payments. Never click links provided during unsolicited calls, even if the caller sounds convincing.
Is 08 5117 0514 a real PayPal number?
No. The number 08 5117 0514 (0851170514) is not an official PayPal contact number. PayPal does not initiate contact by calling with unsolicited offers or requests. If you need to contact PayPal, always use the number on your statement or the official PayPal.com website. Never use numbers provided by unsolicited callers claiming to be from PayPal.
What should I do if I already gave information to the caller from 08 5117 0514?
If you shared login details, credit card information, or personal information with a caller from 08 5117 0514, act immediately. Change your PayPal password, contact your bank, monitor your accounts for unauthorised transactions, and place a fraud alert with your bank. Report the incident to Scamwatch at scamwatch.gov.au and ACMA at acma.gov.au to help protect other Australians.
Can I block 08 5117 0514 on my phone?
Yes. Most Australian phones allow you to block numbers directly. Add 08 5117 0514 (or 0851170514) to your blocked contacts, or use your phone's call-blocking features. You can also register the number with your phone provider to request additional filtering. Blocking prevents future calls, but always report the number to ACMA and Scamwatch first so authorities can track the scam.
Why hasn't this number been shut down?
Scammers often use spoofed or temporarily activated numbers that are difficult for authorities to trace and shut down quickly. The number 08 5117 0514 may be a local WA number that's been hijacked or spoofed. ACMA investigates reported scam numbers, but shutdowns take time. By reporting 0851170514 to ACMA, Scamwatch, and your provider, you help authorities build cases and protect other Australians from the same scam.