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One contributor reported a suspicious SMS from 08 7001 1397 (0870011397) asking to text back their mobile number. Optus mobile number in SA.
Suspicious SMS from 08 7001 1397
A single contributor has flagged an SMS received from 08 7001 1397 (also written as 0870011397) for suspicious activity. The message asked the recipient to text their mobile number back to the sender, a common phishing tactic designed to verify active phone numbers or initiate a conversation with potential victims.
This Optus mobile number in South Australia was used to send the unsolicited SMS. The vagueness of the request-asking only to "text my mobile"-is characteristic of initial contact attempts in scam chains, where attackers first confirm a number is active before escalating to more specific fraud attempts.
What the SMS from 08 7001 1397 Requested
The contributor received a message asking them to text their mobile number back. This type of request has no legitimate purpose and serves to confirm the phone number is monitored by an active person, making it a target for future scams or spam campaigns.
The vague wording-without context, urgency, or a recognisable sender identity-suggests a mass campaign testing which phone numbers will respond. Once 0870011397 receives a reply from a number like yours, you become marked as an active, responsive target.
Report Details and Context
The report was submitted on 13 November 2025. This is the first community report for 08 7001 1397, indicating the number may be newly active in SMS phishing campaigns or recently repurposed for this activity. The lack of multiple reports does not mean the number is safe-it may indicate early-stage activity before it gains traction.
What to Do If You Receive an SMS from 08 7001 1397
If you receive a text message from 0870011397, follow these steps:
- Do not: Reply to the message, text back your mobile number, or engage with any follow-up requests
- Do not: Click any links or download attachments if included in the SMS
- Do: Delete the message immediately
- Do: Block the number 08 7001 1397 in your phone settings
- Do: Report the SMS as spam to your mobile provider (Optus in this case)
- Do: Forward the SMS to the ACMA's spam reporting number: 0429 999 888
How to Report 08 7001 1397
If you receive a suspicious SMS from this number, report it through these Australian government and industry channels:
- ACMA (Australian Communications and Media Authority): Forward the SMS to 0429 999 888 or report online at acma.gov.au
- Scamwatch: Report the incident at scamwatch.gov.au with details of what the message said
- Your mobile provider: Contact Optus directly to report the number and request blocking
- Reverseau: Add your own report here to help other Australians identify this number
Community reports are essential for tracking emerging SMS scam campaigns. Your contribution helps others recognise suspicious messages from 08 7001 1397 before they engage with it.
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WRITE A REVIEWFrequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I already replied to the SMS from 08 7001 1397?
If you have already texted back your mobile number to 0870011397, monitor your phone closely for follow-up calls or messages. Block the number immediately and consider reporting it to ACMA at acma.gov.au. Do not engage further if you receive additional contact. The fact that you replied means your number is now confirmed as active, so you may receive additional scam attempts over the coming weeks. Remain cautious with unexpected calls or texts and never share personal, financial, or identity information in response.
Is 08 7001 1397 a legitimate business number?
The report suggests 0870011397 is being used for unsolicited SMS phishing, not legitimate business communication. Genuine businesses do not send vague texts asking you to text your mobile number back. If you were expecting contact from a real company, call them directly using a number from their official website rather than responding to the SMS from 08 7001 1397. This protects you from confirming your number to scammers.
Why would someone ask me to text my mobile number back?
Scammers and spam operators ask for replies to 08 7001 1397 for two reasons: first, to confirm your number is active and monitored by a real person (making you a valuable target for future attacks), and second, to initiate two-way contact that makes follow-up scams easier. Once you respond to 0870011397, you have moved from a passive recipient to an engaged contact, increasing the likelihood of follow-up fraud attempts.
Should I block 08 7001 1397 on my phone?
Yes, you should block 0870011397 immediately. Most mobile phones allow you to block numbers in settings or by long-pressing the contact and selecting 'Block'. Blocking prevents the sender from reaching you again. Additionally, report the number to your provider (Optus) and to ACMA at 0429 999 888 so authorities can track the campaign and warn other Australians.
Could the SMS from 08 7001 1397 be part of a bigger scam?
Yes, the vague text from 0870011397 is likely the first contact in a multi-stage scam. After confirming your number is active, scammers typically follow up with additional messages claiming refunds, delivery issues, account problems, or urgency-based offers. Blocking 08 7001 1397 now prevents you from seeing those follow-up messages and protects you from being drawn into the scam chain.
How can I tell if other SMS messages are phishing scams?
Phishing texts like the one from 08 7001 1397 often ask you to reply, click links, or provide information without a clear sender identity. Legitimate businesses use verified channels. If you're unsure about an SMS, contact the company directly using their official website or published phone number-never respond to the text itself. When in doubt, delete the message and report it to ACMA at acma.gov.au, just as you would with 0870011397.