- Scam
The number 08 6187 5542 has been reported as a scam, with users claiming it poses as Mastercard's Fraud Department. Learn how to handle calls from this number and protect your personal information.
Overview of Phone Number 08 6187 5542
The phone number 08 6187 5542 / 0861875542 has raised significant concern among Australian users, being reported as a fraudulent call. Many have identified this number as part of a scam operation, allegedly impersonating the Mastercard Fraud Department to extract sensitive personal information. In light of these reports, it's crucial to understand how to identify such scams and safeguard your data.
User Reports Analysis
Recent user reviews dated from 22 November to 23 November 2023 paint a troubling picture of this number's activities. Callers, claiming to be from Mastercard, reported suspicious transactions that needed verification. However, when users questioned the legitimacy of the calls, the representatives failed to provide satisfactory answers regarding their identity or the bank they represented. Instead, typical characteristics of scams emerged, including:
- Claims of fraudulent activity on a credit card.
- Requests for personal details, including card information.
- Suspicious accents and evasive responses to simple queries.
Why This Number is Classified as a Scam
The consistent nature of the calls, combined with the refusal to disclose information about their affiliation or provide legitimate business details, raises credible red flags. Legitimate financial institutions never ask customers to confirm sensitive data over the phone, and individuals are encouraged to verify suspicious calls independently, through official channels.
How to Handle Calls from 08 6187 5542
If you receive a call from this number, here are some recommended steps to protect yourself:
- Do Not Share Personal Information: Avoid disclosing any details about your cards, bank accounts, or personal identity.
- Hang Up and Verify: If in doubt, hang up and contact your financial institution directly using a verified phone number.
- Report the Number: Consider reporting the scam to the relevant authorities, such as the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) via the Scamwatch website.
Conclusion
With an increase in fraudulent activities, it's alarming to find that numbers like 08 6187 5542 / 0861875542 are being used to target unsuspecting individuals. At Reverseau, we stress the importance of staying vigilant and aware. Always trust your instincts and verify unknown contacts to ensure your safety. If you’re curious about a mysterious caller, our Reverse Phone Lookup Australia service can help you uncover useful information.
Help others by sharing your experience with (08) 6187 5542!
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What Our Users Reviewed
My opinion is that this number was used by a scam company. They said that they were from the MasterCard and Visa Card Fraud Department. They kept repeating this when asked about what company they were calling from. They would not give me any other answer like when I asked them what bank are you calling from.
Also the reason for the call is that there was a 600 odd dollar amount purchase on Amazon with my card and they wanted to verify them that it was me and could they authorise this transaction.
Of course I thought straight away that it smacked scam (foreign accents like African or Indian I couldn't distinguish but you get my point) I wanted to waste as much of there time as I could, so I kept aski9ng them questions like what bank was the credit card that they talked about, etc and what was the last two digits of the card number. All answered with that it was private and couldn't be given to me. Eventually they gave me an address that they had on file and a bank that I hadn't lived at for more than 10 years and the bank I hadn't used for about the same time. So I laughed at them and for about the third time in the conversation accused them of being a fraud and scam caller. What I didn't mention is that from the original individual that I talked to I was continually passed on to another manager or more senior person.
I laughed at them in the end and eventually they hung up.
The thing is they had my name and address and a bank name. If I didn't know any better the conversation might have ended differently.
I hope this information will help someone.
Cheers.
Said from Mastercard, with suspicious transaction, wanted to confirm my details.
Checked with my bank - no such activity - SCAM.
Similar call from a different number 2 days later.