03 9916 9310 - Scam Call Alert: State Government Appliance Replacement Scam

• Scam

03 9916 9310 has been reported as a scam call related to a fake state government initiative for gas appliance replacement. Learn how to handle calls from this number and keep yourself safe.

Introduction

The phone number 03 9916 9310 / 0399169310 has recently come under fire from numerous users who reported it as a scam call. Reported primarily between November 19 and 22, 2023, various accounts highlight consistent fraudulent behaviour that warrants attention. In this article, we delve into the classification of this number, describe the nature of the scam, and offer advice on staying safe.

Classification and Analysis

Based on multiple user reviews, it is clear that 03 9916 9310 / 0399169310 is linked to a scam. Users succinctly noted the common theme of receiving calls with no one on the other end, as well as ineffective attempts to return the call, leading to disconnection messages. On November 21, one user pinpointed the nature of the scam, alleging it involved a fraudulent initiative claiming to replace gas appliances as part of a state government program, purportedly linked to an Indian accent.

Understanding the Scam

These types of calls are often characterised as deceptive and are frequently employed in phishing scams. Scammers aim to exploit individuals by evoking a sense of urgency or concern regarding safety and regulatory compliance, often masking their true intention: to extract personal information or money. It's important to note that the messages being perpetrated by these scammers lack authenticity and can easily mislead unsuspecting recipients.

How to Handle Calls from This Number

If you receive a call from 03 9916 9310 / 0399169310, or any number resembling it, here are key steps to consider:

• Do not engage: If you answer the call and hear silence, hang up immediately.
• Do not call back: Attempts to return the call to verify authenticity often lead to disconnected messages, which confirms the scam.
• Report the number: Utilize services such as Reverseau or similar platforms for reverse phone lookup in Australia to report and gather more information.
• Spread the word: Inform friends and family about this scam to prevent them from falling victim to such fraudulent activities.

Conclusion

In summary, 03 9916 9310 / 0399169310 has been classified conclusively as a scam number based on user reports. With qualifiers about its usage for fraudulent gas appliance replacement schemes, it poses a significant threat to the unsuspecting public. Always exercise caution with unfamiliar calls, and leverage resources like Reverseau to verify unknown phone numbers before engaging in conversation.