0405 696 355: Scam - Impersonation of Family Member

• Scam

0405 696 355 appears to be a scam number linked to impersonation. Read on to understand how it operates and what measures you can take if you receive a call or message from this number.

The phone number 0405 696 355 / 0405696355 has raised significant concern among Australian users, categorised firmly as a scam associated with the impersonation of family members. Reports indicate that individuals are being deceived through text messages that claim to be from relatives facing urgent phone issues, leading to serious financial losses.

One alarming claim from a user, dated 03/09/2024, details a distressing incident where the sender posed as their son, requesting assistance for a new phone due to "urgent problems." This tactic successfully convinced the victim to send a hefty sum of $1685 to an alleged provider, Kogan, further emphasising the emotional manipulation often employed by scammers.

Given these findings, it's crucial for those in Australia to be vigilant when receiving messages or calls from unfamiliar numbers. Here are some tips to help protect yourself:

• Verify Identity: If you receive a message claiming to be from a family member, especially asking for financial help, verify their identity with a direct call on their known number.
• Do Not Engage: Avoid engaging with the number directly. Block it to prevent further contact.
• Report the Scam: Notify authorities or your service provider about the incident, which can help track and eliminate such scams.

This number serves as a critical reminder of the vigilance required to maintain personal security in an era where technology is often abused to defraud unsuspecting individuals. Staying informed and cautious can significantly minimise the risks associated with such scams. For those looking to discover who called them or to verify unknown numbers, services like Reverseau and Reverse Phone Lookup Australia are invaluable tools in your defensive strategy against increasingly sophisticated scams.