1800 717 428 - 1800717428: Phishing and Subscription Dispute Scam

• Scam

1800 717 428 (1800717428): Community reports describe phishing emails claiming unauthorised purchases with links to call this number. Likely subscription billing scam.

Phishing and Subscription Scam Reports for 1800 717 428

Two contributors have reported receiving phishing emails featuring the number 1800 717 428 (also written as 1800717428). These emails falsely claim the recipient has made an unauthorised purchase and pressure them to call 1800 717 428 to cancel an order or dispute a charge. The scam exploits common consumer anxieties about unexpected charges and subscription traps.

One contributor received an email claiming a $500 phantom purchase, designed to create urgency and panic. Another report describes an email with an attachment claiming an unwanted order that could only be cancelled by calling 1800 717 428. Both contributors recognised the suspicious nature of the communications and did not engage with the number.

How These Scams Typically Work

Phishing emails promoting 1800 717 428 follow a predictable pattern. The sender claims you have made a purchase you did not authorise, often citing a specific dollar amount like $500 to increase credibility. The email then instructs you to call 1800 717 428 immediately to dispute or cancel the order before a deadline.

If you call 1800 717 428, scammers use several tactics. They may ask for personal information like your full name, date of birth, bank account details, or credit card number under the guise of verifying your identity and processing a refund. Some may try to enrol you in a fake subscription service, set up recurring charges, or extract payment for a non-existent cancellation fee.

Why Emails Promote 1800 717 428

Scammers use 1800 (freephone) numbers like 1800 717 428 because they appear more legitimate and official than mobile numbers. A freephone number suggests a business or government organisation, making contributors more likely to trust the communication and make the call. The anonymity of a shared number also makes it harder to trace the actual scammer.

What to Do If You Receive an Email Promoting 1800 717 428

If you receive an email claiming an unauthorised purchase and directing you to call 1800 717 428:

• Do not: Click links or attachments in the email, call the number provided, or respond to the sender
• Do not: Share personal information, bank details, or payment card numbers via email or phone
• Do: Delete the email immediately
• Do: If you have concerns about a genuine purchase, contact the retailer or payment provider directly using contact details from their official website
• Do: Report the email as spam or phishing to your email provider
• Do: Forward suspicious emails to the Australian Cyber Security Centre at report@cyber.gov.au

What to Do If You Called 1800 717 428

If you have already called 1800 717 428 or provided information to someone claiming to represent this number:

• Do: Contact your bank or payment provider immediately to report the incident and monitor your account for unauthorised transactions
• Do: Request a new credit card or debit card if you shared card details
• Do: Change passwords for online accounts, especially email and banking logins
• Do: Consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze with your financial institutions
• Do: Report the scam to Scamwatch at scamwatch.gov.au and the ACMA at acma.gov.au

How to Report 1800 717 428

If you have received communications promoting 1800 717 428 or attempted to use this number, report the incident to Australian authorities:

• Scamwatch: scamwatch.gov.au - Report the phishing email and any financial loss
• ACMA (Australian Communications and Media Authority): acma.gov.au - Report unwanted calls or phishing activity
• Australian Cyber Security Centre: report@cyber.gov.au - Forward the phishing email for investigation
• Your bank or payment provider: Contact them directly to report fraud and protect your accounts
• Reverseau: If you have received calls or communications from 1800 717 428, contribute your report to help other Australians identify this number

Frequently Asked Questions