1300 300 038 - 1300300038: HSBC Bank Impersonation Scam

• Scam
• Suspicious
• Spam

1300 300 038 (1300300038): Community reports detail HSBC impersonation scam via SMS, calls, letters. Callers falsely claim mortgage overdue, demand callback, pose as legitimate bank.

HSBC Impersonation Scam Reports for 1300 300 038

Seven contributors have reported 1300 300 038 (also written as 1300300038) as a sophisticated HSBC bank impersonation scam. The pattern involves coordinated attacks across multiple channels: SMS messages, phone calls, postal mail, and emails all falsely claiming mortgage arrears and demanding immediate action. Contributors who answered calls from 1300 300 038 report callers claiming to represent HSBC and stating that home loans are overdue. When contributors verified the claims directly with HSBC using the official website, the bank confirmed that 1300300038 is not their genuine contact number.

The scam's sophistication lies in its multi-channel approach. One contributor received both an SMS and a call from this number within a short timeframe. Another received a physical letter via Australia Post that appeared authentic at first glance, complete with HSBC branding, directing them to call 1300 300 038. The same contributor later confirmed via HSBC's official website that the number was fraudulent. A third contributor received both SMS and postal correspondence, all directing contact to this number.

Contributors have noted that scammers appear to possess personal information including phone numbers, email addresses, and in some cases mortgage details. One contributor expressed concern that fraudsters had access to both their phone number and email address, suggesting possible data breach sourcing. This level of personalisation makes the scam particularly convincing at first contact.

What Callers from 1300 300 038 Say

Reports from 1300 300 038 consistently follow a high-pressure mortgage arrears narrative. Callers claim the recipient's home loan is overdue and demand immediate callback to discuss payment. One contributor who answered described the caller asking "strange questions" before the contributor took steps to verify the claim. Another report noted the caller began with an assertion of overdue mortgage status before requesting personal information.

The SMS impersonation is particularly deceptive: the message appears to come from "HSBC" as the sender name, not a generic number. The SMS states the mortgage is overdue and directs recipients to call 1300300038. Postal letters carrying HSBC branding reinforce the false legitimacy. One contributor stated the letter "looked legit at first" before cross-checking the number against online complaints and discovering it did not match HSBC's actual contact details.

Multi-Channel Attack Pattern

What distinguishes 1300 300 038 from typical scams is the coordinated use of SMS, phone calls, postal mail, and email simultaneously. One contributor received text messages and calls in quick succession claiming mortgage arrears. Another received a physical letter in an Australia Post envelope, followed by emails from addresses purporting to be HSBC. A third report documented a missed call (only two rings) followed shortly after by an email claiming HSBC had attempted contact.

Reports span from early 2024 through December 2025, indicating sustained operation over at least two years. Most contributors who answered calls from 1300 300 038 took the precaution of verifying claims directly with HSBC before providing any information, which is why no financial loss has been reported. However, the persistence and sophistication of the campaign suggests many recipients may not verify and could fall victim.

What to Do If You Receive a Call from 1300 300 038

If 1300 300 038 calls you claiming your mortgage is overdue:

• Do not: Return the call to this number, answer follow-up calls, or provide any personal, financial, or loan details
• Do: Hang up immediately and contact HSBC directly using the phone number on your mortgage statement or their official website
• Do: Check your mortgage account online via your bank's app or website to verify your payment status
• Do: Report the number to ACMA (Australian Communications and Media Authority) at acma.gov.au
• Do: Block 1300300038 in your phone settings to prevent future calls

What to Do If You Receive an SMS from 1300 300 038

If 1300 300 038 or a message claiming to be from HSBC arrives via SMS:

• Do not: Click any links in the message, call the number provided, or reply to confirm your number is active
• Do: Delete the message immediately
• Do: Contact HSBC directly using the contact details on your statement or their official website to verify the message authenticity
• Do: Forward the SMS to 0429 999 888 (ACMA's spam reporting service)
• Do: Block the number in your phone settings

What to Do If You Receive Mail from 1300 300 038

If you receive a postal letter claiming to be from HSBC and referencing 1300 300 038:

• Do not: Call the number in the letter or visit any website linked within it
• Do: Verify authenticity by contacting HSBC directly using contact details from your mortgage statement
• Do: Report the letter as mail fraud to your local Australia Post office or lodge a report with Scamwatch
• Do: Keep the letter as evidence for reporting purposes

How to Report 1300 300 038

Contributors are encouraged to report this number through multiple official channels:

• Scamwatch: Report the scam at scamwatch.gov.au - include details of all contact methods (SMS, call, letter, email)
• ACMA: Report the number to the Australian Communications and Media Authority at acma.gov.au for investigation and potential service suspension
• HSBC: Contact HSBC directly using the number on your statement and report the fraudulent use of their name
• Australia Post: If you received fraudulent mail, report it to your local Australia Post office
• Reverseau: Contribute your experience with 1300300038 to help warn other Australians

Frequently Asked Questions