1800 945 174: Scam Alert - Phishing Attempt Impersonating PayPal

• Scam

The phone number 1800 945 174 has been reported as a scam, primarily used for phishing attempts by masquerading as PayPal. Learn how to identify similar scams and what to do should you receive a call from this number.

Understanding the Scam Behind 1800 945 174

The phone number 1800 945 174 / 00945174 has recently gained attention for being associated with fraudulent activities. Users have reported receiving text messages from this number, which falsely claimed to notify them about a payment made to a ‘holding company’, purportedly linked to PayPal. Unfortunately, this is a common tactic utilised by scammers to fish for sensitive information or prompt unsuspecting recipients to call the number back.

Key Features of the Scam

This particular scheme is characterised as a phishing scam, where fraudsters impersonate reputable companies such as PayPal to instil a sense of urgency. The intent is often to extract personal and financial information from victims, making this a serious threat to personal security.

How Users Identified the Scam

Feedback from affected users indicates a distinct pattern—the messages were misleading and raised immediate alarms when verified with PayPal directly. One user reported their communication with the actual PayPal service, which confirmed that no such payment transaction existed. This corroboration serves as a valuable lesson in proactively validating unexpected communications, especially those requesting personal data.

Coping with Suspicious Calls

• Do not engage: Avoid calling back numbers that alarm you or that claim to be from official businesses without prior verification.
• Verify and report: Always check with the legitimate company (like PayPal) if you receive a suspicious call or message.
• Utilise Reverseau: For those receiving calls from unknown numbers, consider using a Reverse Phone Lookup Australia service to identify the caller.
• Spread the word: Share your experience with others to help them recognise similar scams, contributing to a more informed community.

In conclusion, we classify 1800 945 174 / 00945174 definitively as a scam number, primarily targeting individuals through phishing attempts. It's imperative to remain vigilant and to utilise available resources like Reverseau to help discern legitimate calls from deceptive practices. Stay informed and protect your personal information from falling into the hands of scammers.