Understanding the Calls from 08 8246 5498
The phone number 08 8246 5498 / 0882465498 has raised numerous alarms among users, consistently appearing in reviews as associated with suspicious activity. Reported primarily in August 2021, the consensus is strong that this number is linked to a scam operation posing as the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).
Identifying the Scam
Based on multiple user reports, callers using 08 8246 5498 / 0882465498 often identify themselves as representatives of the ABS, embarking on inquiries regarding personal information. These calls generally include questions about the recipient's age and residency, as well as an unsettling knowledge of their first name and past addresses. However, the callers exhibit vague behaviour, often hanging up once challenged or pressed for verification. This pattern strongly suggests a scam attempting to obtain sensitive information under false pretenses, capitalising on the trust often associated with governmental organizations.
How to Handle such Calls
- Do Not Engage: If you receive a call from 08 8246 5498 / 0882465498, it is advisable to refrain from providing any personal details, including your date of birth or address.
- Hang Up: Many users reported that the callers would abruptly end the conversation when questioned. If you sense something amiss, the best course of action is to hang up immediately.
- Report the Call: Consider reporting the number to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) or other local consumer protection agencies. This can help prevent others from falling prey to the same scam.
- Utilise Reverse Phone Lookup: Tools like Reverseau are invaluable for identifying these kinds of numbers in Australia. A simple search can provide insights and inform you about potential scams.
Conclusion
In summary, 08 8246 5498 / 0882465498 is not a legitimate call from the Australian Bureau of Statistics but a suspicious number reported by users as a spam operation. Exercising caution and protecting your personal information is essential when confronted with such unsolicited calls. Always verify before divulging any details, and remember, legitimate organizations will not ask for sensitive information over the phone.
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What People Reported About (08) 8246 5498
These reports were submitted by community members.
Received a call, asian female saying she was from ABS, knew my first name. Said she had 5 questions for me, the first was am I between 25 and 55. Then I asked her where she is based, and what her business address is - suprisingly she listed my home address from 5 years ago. Then I asked for her a landline, she said she couldn't provide it as she has VOIP phone (which is bull$hit they still have a number), then she pretty much hung up.
Claimed to be from ABS wanting to ask questions. Called them out on it and they hung up.
Claims to be from Australian bureau of statistics.
Claimed to be Australian Bureau of Statistics. Knew my first name. Hung up right after saying they were from ABS, weirdly. Saved me the trouble at least!
Received a call from ABS? Wanting to ask questions. I hesitantly said I was not between 25 to 55 as they stated they thought I was and when I said no, they ‘told’ me I was working full time I said no…they pretty well hung up on me. Was never going to give them any further details. And…I was checking the number as I spoke to them. Obviously a scam and yes, an Asian accent as someone else stated.
Scam/spam.
Claimed to be the ABS then hung up as soon as a said I wasn’t comfortable giving my DOB over the phone to an unsolicited call.
I received a call from this number claiming to be Australian Beaurea if Statistics.
Voice sounded Philipino or similar (Latino accent).
She asked if I had been outside the country in the last six months (no), whether I was between the ages of 25 to 55 (no), then hung up.
Claiming to be ABS. HUNG UP.
Scam claiming to be from the Abs. Hang up.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tactics have been reported for (08) 8246 5498?
The clearest patterns are Impersonation (100%), Info request (33%). Those came from 6 reports that described the interaction in detail.
Is this number still in use?
The reporting pattern shows this number has been getting more reports over time. 0 reports came in over the past month.
Are the reports about (08) 8246 5498 trustworthy?
Based on 9 community reports. People describe different experiences, so the overall picture is mixed. About 67% include detailed descriptions, which helps.
Is this number known for scams?
Mixed signals - 56% of reporters flagged scam out of 9 total reports.
What contact methods does (08) 8246 5498 use?
People say this number reached them by phone call.
What kind of interactions do people report for (08) 8246 5498?
Reporters described it as: Scam (5), Suspicious (4). A few themes show up more than once, including hung up, abs, received, questions, claimed.
Do people recognise (08) 8246 5498 when it calls?
100% of contributors say the contact was unexpected. 0% were expecting it.
What's the reporting history for (08) 8246 5498?
This number has been on the radar for 2 days (August 2021).