08 8264 5494: Suspicious Caller Pretending to Be from the Australian Bureau of Statistics

• Suspicious

The phone number 08 8264 5494 has been reported by users as possibly suspicious, with claims of it representing the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Learn how to handle calls from this number and protect your information.

Understanding the Calls from 08 8264 5494

The phone number 08 8264 5494 / 0882645494 has recently come under scrutiny, with multiple reports from users suggesting it may not be a legitimate caller. Specifically, there are claims of the person on the other end representing the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) and luring individuals into answering a series of questions. However, the nature of the calls raises a red flag regarding its authenticity.

What Users Are Reporting

On 02/09/2021, a user reported being contacted by someone claiming to be affiliated with the ABS. The caller stated they would ask a standard set of five questions, which is a common method used by surveys and samples from government statistics. Still, the ambiguity regarding the call's legitimacy has made users question the caller's true identity and intentions.

Classification: Suspicious

• Impersonation Risk: The caller's claim of being from a reputable institute like the ABS is concerning. Fraudsters often impersonate governmental agencies to collect personal information.
• Questionable Approach: Legitimate surveys from the ABS usually come with prior notification, or they identify themselves clearly and specify the purpose of the call.
• User Experiences: Reported discomfort and unease about the method of questioning suggests that this number should be treated with caution.

What Should You Do?

If you receive a call from 08 8264 5494 / 0882645494, it's prudent to take certain precautions:

• Do not disclose personal information: Avoid sharing sensitive details such as your address, bank details, or any form of identification.
• Verify the Caller: Hang up and contact the official ABS number directly if you have any doubts. You can check their website for the correct contact details.
• Report Suspicious Calls: If you believe this number is attempting to deceive you, report it. Using services like Reverse Phone Lookup Australia can help others avoid falling victim to scams.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the caller from 08 8264 5494 / 0882645494 claims to represent a significant government entity, the scepticism from users suggests this is a suspicious number. It's always better to err on the side of caution and protect your personal information. If you're unsure who called you, remember you can utilise services like Reverseau to help identify the caller and enhance your safety.