1800 879 192 - 1800879192: Subscription Billing Scam Reports

• Scam
• Suspicious

1800 879 192 (1800879192): Contributors report fake subscription charge emails claiming $410 unauthorised payments, impersonating PayPal with account compromise threats.

Subscription Billing Scam Reports for 1800 879 192

Six contributors have reported scam activity linked to 1800 879 192 (also written as 1800879192) involving fraudulent subscription charge notifications. The core tactic involves sending fake billing emails claiming unauthorised charges of $410 to victim accounts, then requesting immediate contact via the supplied number. When contributors have called 1800 879 192, scammers have impersonated PayPal representatives, falsely claiming account compromise and pressuring victims to disclose account details and PIN numbers.

The pattern is deliberate: scammers send convincing emails with Word document attachments and official-looking payment references to establish false urgency. One contributor received multiple emails within days from 1800 879 192, each requesting the same $410 payment with different reference numbers. The messages use social engineering language designed to feel legitimate-"If this was you, no further action is needed. You can safely disregard this message"-which paradoxically creates confusion about whether the charge is real.

What Callers from 1800 879 192 Claim

Contributors who called 1800 879 192 report that scammers posed as PayPal support staff. The caller claimed the victim's PayPal account had been compromised from an overseas location (Germany was mentioned in one report). This false claim was used to justify requesting sensitive information including full account details and PIN numbers.

The emails linked to 1800 879 192 use specific language designed to mimic legitimate payment notifications. Typical messages state: "We received a request to initiate a subscription linked to your account. Reference ID: [number]. Amount: $410.00." The emails include attachments with suspicious filenames (one contributor received a file named "ERAA4ED2SD21.docx"). Contributors also report receiving SMS messages with reference numbers like "11552453" requesting payment of $410, creating multiple touchpoints of pressure.

Call Patterns and Multiple Contact Channels

Reports for 1800 879 192 show the scam operates across email, SMS, and phone channels simultaneously. Most activity occurred within a 48-hour window, with contributors receiving initial fake billing emails, followed by SMS requests with reference numbers, then follow-up emails with the same $410 charge and different reference IDs. One contributor received a second email requesting payment within hours of the first contact from 1800 879 192.

The use of a 1800 freephone number suggests the scammers are attempting to appear legitimate while maintaining anonymity. Contributors report the scammers knew enough about common payment platforms (PayPal) to sound credible on the phone, though their tactics-immediately requesting PINs and account details-are inconsistent with how genuine financial institutions operate.

What to Do If You Receive an Email from 1800 879 192

If you receive an email claiming a subscription charge and asking you to contact 1800 879 192:

• Do not: Open attachments, click any links in the email, call the number provided, or reply to the email
• Do: Delete the email immediately, block the sender address, and verify any payment claims directly through the official website or app of the company allegedly involved (e.g., log into your PayPal account directly rather than via any link)
• Do: Check your actual PayPal, bank, or payment service accounts by logging in independently to confirm no unauthorised charges exist

What to Do If You Receive an SMS from 1800 879 192

If you receive SMS messages from 1800 879 192 or referencing reference numbers like those reported (11552453, etc.) requesting payment:

• Do not: Reply to the message, call the number, click any links, or provide any information
• Do: Delete the message immediately and block the sender
• Do: Report the SMS as spam by forwarding it to 0429 999 888 (the ACMA Spam Report number)
• Do: If the SMS references a specific service (PayPal, bank, etc.), contact that organisation directly using their official contact details to confirm the message is fraudulent

What to Do If You Called 1800 879 192 and Provided Information

If you have already called 1800 879 192 and provided account details, PIN numbers, or other sensitive information:

• Do: Contact your bank, PayPal, or relevant payment service immediately and inform them of the compromise
• Do: Change your password and PIN for all affected accounts, using a secure device
• Do: Enable two-factor authentication on your accounts if not already active
• Do: Monitor your account for unauthorised transactions and consider placing a fraud alert with your bank
• Do: Report the incident to Scamwatch and the ACMA (see below)

How to Report 1800 879 192

If you have received communications from 1800 879 192 or emails directing you to contact this number:

• Report to Scamwatch at scamwatch.gov.au - include the email content, SMS text, and reference numbers used
• Report the SMS to the ACMA (Australian Communications and Media Authority) by forwarding to 0429 999 888
• Report the email to the Australian Cyber Security Centre at cyber.gov.au - attach the original email headers and any suspicious attachments (without opening them)
• If you provided PayPal account information, report the incident directly to PayPal through your account settings or contact PayPal support
• Report the number 1800 879 192 on Reverseau to help other Australians identify this scam and protect themselves

Frequently Asked Questions