917012449923: Phishing and Impersonation Scam

• Scam

One contributor reports 917012449923 sending phishing SMS impersonating a family member asking to update contact details. Do not reply or click links.

Phishing and Impersonation Reports for 917012449923

A contributor has reported receiving an SMS from 917012449923 that uses a common family impersonation tactic. The message falsely claims to be from a family member (typically a son or daughter) who has allegedly switched to a new travel SIM and needs the recipient to reply with their new contact information.

This is a sophisticated social engineering attack. The caller from 917012449923 exploits the emotional connection and urgency within families to bypass rational decision-making. By impersonating a trusted family member, the scammer aims to trick recipients into engaging with the message, which may contain hidden phishing links or lead to further fraud attempts.

What the Scammer from 917012449923 Claims

The specific message reported about 917012449923 reads: "Hey dad, I've switched completely to a travel SIM line, and the old number no longer works. Reply when you can so I can pass over my new contact."

This type of message is designed to appear casual and time-sensitive without being overtly demanding. The scammer using 917012449923 counts on the recipient feeling relief or familiarity when they think they're hearing from a family member abroad. The request to "reply when you can" appears low-pressure but is intentionally vague, leaving room for the scammer to direct the conversation toward financial information, payment methods, or personal details once you engage.

Why This Scam Works

The contributor who received the SMS from 917012449923 emphasised the danger: "This is a message they send out to get you to reply again. DO NOT ANSWER OR REPLY." The effectiveness of this scam relies on several factors. Family members often have varying contact methods and international travel is common, making the scenario plausible. Once a recipient replies to 917012449923, scammers have confirmation that the number is active and can escalate the fraud, often pivoting to requests for money for emergencies, travel expenses, or urgent situations.

What to Do If You Receive an SMS from 917012449923

If 917012449923 sends you a message claiming to be from a family member:

• Do not: Reply to the message, click any links, or share personal information or contact details
• Do not: Call the number back or engage in any way
• Do: Verify independently by contacting your family member directly using a phone number you know is correct
• Do: Block 917012449923 immediately in your phone settings
• Do: Mark the message as spam and delete it
• Do: Report the message to your mobile service provider

How to Report 917012449923

If you receive a phishing or impersonation scam from 917012449923, report it through the following Australian government channels:

• Report to Scamwatch at scamwatch.gov.au - they maintain a database of active scams and warn the public
• Forward the SMS to the ACMA (Australian Communications and Media Authority) at acma.gov.au for investigation
• Report to Services Australia at servicesaustralia.gov.au if the scammer impersonates government services
• Use ReportCyber at cyber.gov.au if the message contains malicious links or data theft attempts
• Contact your mobile service provider to report the number and request blocking
• Share your experience on Reverseau to help other contributors identify and avoid this scam number

Frequently Asked Questions