Identifying the Scam - 0420 040 402
The phone number 0420 040 402 / 0420040402 has been categorically identified as a scam, with users reporting that the caller claimed to be from Telstra, a well-known telecommunications provider in Australia. This tactic of impersonating legitimate businesses is a common strategy used by scammers to extract personal information or create panic. Based on user reviews, it appears that the callers are attempting to probe into customers' internet performance under the guise of providing support.
Common Tactics Used
In both reported instances, the individuals behind the calls represented themselves as employees of Telstra, despite neither caller actually being affiliated with the company. This method falls under a broader category of scams known as “identity theft” and “social engineering scams.”
User Experiences
- The first user encountered suspicious behaviour when they were questioned about their internet services by someone claiming to be from Telstra. Upon probing further, the caller abruptly hung up, raising red flags about their legitimacy.
- A second review shared a similar experience, indicating that not only did the caller defend their identity as a Telstra employee, but upon being confronted with skepticism, they resorted to foul language before terminating the call.
Steps to Handle This Scam
If you happen to receive a call from 0420 040 402 / 0420040402, here are some important tips to handle the situation:
- Do not engage: If you suspect a scam, hang up immediately.
- Verify: Contact Telstra directly using the official contact numbers listed on their website to report the call and confirm if they were reaching out.
- Report it: You can report such incidents to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) or Scamwatch, which are very effective in investigating these fraudulent schemes.
- Use Reverseau: Consider using a Reverse Phone Lookup Australia service like Reverseau to identify unknown numbers and assess their validity.
Scams like the one orchestrated by 0420 040 402 / 0420040402 serve as a reminder to remain vigilant and sceptical of unsolicited calls from unfamiliar numbers. The adage “if it seems too good to be true, it probably is” applies here thoroughly. Always prioritise your safety and privacy by dealing with unknown callers carefully and informed.