1300 857 703 - Suspicious Telemarketing Call from Telstra Impersonator

• Scam

The phone number 1300 857 703 has been reported by users as a suspicious telemarketing call. Read on to understand who might be behind it and how to handle these calls effectively.

Understanding 1300 857 703

The phone number 1300 857 703 / 00857703 has recently garnered attention from users, primarily due to alarming claims made by individuals identifying themselves as representatives from Telstra. Based on user reports, this number appears to fall into the category of suspicious telemarketers attempting to solicit confidential information under false pretences.

Reports Indicating Potential Scams

Several users have indicated that callers from this number claim to be reaching out on behalf of Telstra. For instance, on 14 October 2016, one user reported receiving a call indicating there was a problem with hackers accessing their data. Following this, on 18 October 2016, another individual recounted a similar experience involving a man named Frank Doungel, who very convincingly presented as a Telstra employee. This supposed representative insisted that there were significant issues with the person's computer and requested cooperation to resolve the matter, even providing a reference number for any follow-up.

Classification of the Call

Given the consistent narrative of deception associated with this number, 1300 857 703 / 00857703 is classified as a suspicious call. The tactics employed by these callers exhibit classic signs of a telemarketing scam, specifically a type focused on technical support. They often aim to create a sense of urgency and fear, compelling unsuspecting individuals to share personal information or to grant remote access to their devices.

How to Handle Calls from 1300 857 703

Here are some steps to take if you receive a call from this number or similar suspicious calls:

• Do Not Engage: If you suspect a call is suspicious, avoid providing any personal information. Hang up the call promptly.
• Verify the Caller: If they claim to be from a legitimate company such as Telstra, hang up and contact the company directly using a number from their official website to verify if the call was genuine.
• Report the Number: You can report the phone number to consumer protection agencies or online platforms that track scam calls, which helps others be alert to potential scams.
• Use Reverse Phone Lookup: Consider using Reverseau to perform a Reverse Phone Lookup Australia to identify the caller's true identity and see if others have reported the number.

In conclusion, being cautious with calls that evoke urgency and claim to be from legitimate companies is paramount. Always trust your instincts and when in doubt, hang up and reach out to the company directly. Remember, protecting personal information is crucial in combating these persistent scams.