1800 879 097: Phishing Scam Targeting Online Shoppers

• Scam

Beware of 1800 879 097, a number reported as a phishing scam. If you receive communications claiming you've made a fraudulent transaction, learn how to handle these fake calls safely.

The phone number 1800 879 097 has become notorious among users across Australia, as it appears on various phishing scams designed to exploit online shoppers. Reports indicate that this number is frequently linked to unsolicited emails falsely claiming users have outstanding payments for items they did not purchase.

Most notably, the users' reviews reveal a consistent pattern of deception targeting recipients of emails purporting to be from reputable companies like Amazon, PayPal, or eBay. On 15 June 2022, we saw multiple reports indicating that recipients received alarming messages stating they owed significant sums of money for purchases they never made. This kind of behaviour signifies a typical phishing approach, whereby scammers attempt to create a sense of urgency or fear to extract personal information.

Classification: Based on the gathered user reports, it is evident that 1800 879 097 is classified as a scam number, primarily functioning as a phishing scam. This type of scam aims to trick individuals into calling the number to "verify" fraudulent activity, only to be met with attempts to steal sensitive information such as credit card details, banking information, or personal identifiers.

Some users have reported that these scammers even claim to be able to assist with issues related to eBay orders, stirring further confusion and keeping the line of deception intact. One such report from 12 July 2022 shared how engaging with this number in the context of a non-existent TV order could lead victims down a dangerous path of providing real information to these con artists.

To handle potential calls from 1800 879 097, it is advisable to:

• Ignore calls from this number and any associated suspicious emails.
• Do not provide any personal information if inadvertently contacted.
• Report any emails or messages you receive to the appropriate authorities or the real company for verification.
• Utilise services like Reverseau for a Reverse Phone Lookup Australia to determine the legitimacy of unidentified phone numbers.

Staying vigilant and informed will help in foiling the plans of such phishing scams. Always remember, if it sounds too good to be true or seems shady, it probably is. Always scrutinise your financial communications and report any doubts promptly. Protecting yourself against such scams is key to maintaining your online security.