0401 852 833: Scam - National Crime Authority Collection Call

• Scam

The phone number 0401 852 833 has been reported by users as a scam related to the National Crime Authority. This article offers guidance on how to handle calls from suspicious numbers and protect yourself from scams.

Understanding the Scam Behind 0401 852 833

The number 0401 852 833 / 0401852833 has gained a significant reputation among Australian users as a fraudulent contact, particularly linked to collection calls claiming to represent the National Crime Authority and Services Australia. This kind of scam preys on individuals' fears regarding legal issues and debt collection.

What Users Reported

On 19 April 2021, users reported receiving calls from this number, which were identified as collection attempts, with the callers purporting to represent government agencies. Such tactics are not uncommon amongst scammers who aim to evoke panic, pressuring victims to provide personal and financial information to resolve made-up debts.

Why This Number Is Classified as a Scam

The main reasons for classifying 0401 852 833 / 0401852833 as a scam include:

• Impersonation of Legitimate Authorities: Scammers often impersonate agencies like the National Crime Authority to instill fear in their targets.
• Excessive Urgency: These callers create a sense of immediate action required, often stating that legal actions will be taken if the target does not respond.
• Request for Sensitive Information: Legitimate agencies do not request sensitive information like bank details or personal identification numbers via phone calls.

How to Handle Calls from 0401 852 833

If you receive a call from 0401 852 833 / 0401852833 or any similar number, it’s crucial to take precautions:

• Do Not Engage: Avoid providing any personal information. Hang up if you feel uncertain.
• Verify the Caller's Identity: If you think the call may be legitimate, hang up and contact the agency directly using known contact details, not those provided by the caller.
• Report Suspicious Activity: Consider reporting the call to the appropriate authorities in Australia, such as the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).

Using tools like Reverseau can help you conduct a Reverse Phone Lookup Australia to trace the origin of such numbers and avoid falling victim to similar scams in the future. Remember, vigilance is the first line of defence against phone scams.