1800 960 571 - 1800960571: Callback Lure and Impersonation Scams

• Scam

Community reports for 1800 960 571 (1800960571): SMS scams impersonating PayPal and online retailers, luring recipients to call back with fake purchase alerts.

Callback Lure and Impersonation Scams via 1800 960 571

Two contributors have reported SMS scams involving 1800 960 571 (also written as 1800960571). Both reports describe text messages designed to trick recipients into calling the number back by posing as legitimate retailers or payment platforms. The scammers use urgency and concern about unauthorised purchases to prompt callback responses.

The pattern across reports to 1800 960 571 indicates a callback lure strategy, where the initial SMS appears to come from a trusted source, compelling the recipient to initiate contact rather than the scammer calling them directly. This approach is used to bypass call screening and make the victim feel they are in control of the interaction.

What Callers from 1800 960 571 Claim

One contributor received an SMS claiming they had purchased a Garmin device, instructing them to call 1800 960 571 if they did not recognise the purchase. The message created a false sense of urgency around an unauthorised transaction, a common tactic designed to provoke an immediate response without verification.

Another report describes a PayPal impersonation SMS linked to 1800960571. Contributors receiving these messages may not immediately recognise them as fraudulent because the scammers mimic the communication style and branding of legitimate financial platforms and e-commerce retailers. The goal is to harvest personal information, payment details, or account credentials once the victim calls.

Why Callback Lures Are Effective

Callback lure scams are particularly deceptive because victims believe they are initiating contact with a legitimate business after receiving a concerning notification. Unlike traditional cold calls, where recipients may be more guarded, a callback victim often assumes they are calling a customer service line they recognised. Once connected to 1800 960 571, scammers can use social engineering to extract sensitive information such as credit card numbers, online banking passwords, or personal identification details.

What to Do If You Receive an SMS from 1800 960 571

If you receive a text message from 1800 960 571 or any similar sender claiming an issue with your account or a purchase:

• Do not: Call the number provided in the message, click any links, or reply to the SMS
• Do not: Share personal information, passwords, or payment details
• Do: Delete the message immediately
• Do: Contact the company directly using a phone number or website you know is legitimate (search independently, do not use contact details from the message)
• Do: Block 1800960571 in your phone settings to prevent future messages
• Do: Report the SMS as spam by forwarding it to 0429 999 888 (ACMA's SMS spam reporting service)

How to Report 1800 960 571

If you have received scam messages from 1800 960 571, report the number to protect other Australians:

• Scamwatch: Report the scam at scamwatch.gov.au with details of the message and the tactics used
• ACMA (Australian Communications and Media Authority): Forward scam SMS to 0429 999 888 and report online at acma.gov.au
• Reverseau: Report this number on our platform to add your experience to the community data for 1800 960 571 and help warn others
• Your telco: Contact your mobile provider to report the number for blocking across their network
• If financial details were compromised: Report to ReportCyber at cyber.gov.au and contact your bank immediately

Frequently Asked Questions