0459 215 798: Scam – ATO and Medicare Impersonation

• Scam
• Spam

0459 215 798 has been identified as a fraudulent number, exploiting ATO and Medicare scams. Learn how to recognise these scams and stay safe from scams like these.

Understanding the Threat: 0459 215 798

The phone number 0459 215 798 / 0459215798 has raised numerous red flags among users, firmly categorising it as a scam number. Reports indicate that this number is being used to impersonate legitimate organisations, primarily the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) and Medicare, to extract personal information and financial details from unsuspecting victims.

Types of Scams Reported

Victims have reported receiving messages that appear to be from the ATO, claiming they are owed refunds or that recipient details need to be updated. These messages typically urge recipients to click on suspicious links—these links can be gateways to phishing websites designed to harvest personal data. One user noted receiving a message stating that ATO was working on Good Friday, which raises concern about the authenticity of such communications.

Another tactic employed by this scam number involves impersonating ING Bank, falsely claiming a funds transfer has occurred in the recipient's account, even targeting those who are not customers of the bank at all. Additionally, messages falsely claiming to be from Medicare stress urgency, asking recipients to book a PCR test due to being identified as a close contact—a commonly recognised tactic of leveraging public health concerns for nefarious purposes.

How to Recognise and Handle These Scams

• Be Skeptical: Always approach unsolicited messages with caution. Legitimate organisations will not ask you to verify sensitive information via text message or direct you to websites in this manner.
• Don't Click: Refrain from clicking on any links provided in these messages. It is advisable to delete such texts immediately and report them if possible.
• Verify the Source: If you receive an ambiguous message from your financial institution or a government body, contact them directly through official channels to verify any claims.
• Block the Number: Users have successfully blocked 0459 215 798 / 0459215798 to prevent further unsolicited communications, a step everyone should take upon receiving similar messages.

In conclusion, the number 0459 215 798 / 0459215798 represents a serious scam threat, leveraging impersonations of revered institutions to exploit potential victims. By remaining vigilant and informed, you can protect yourself from falling prey to these scams. For anyone looking to trace unknown numbers, tools like Reverseau offer a valuable resource for conducting a reverse phone lookup in Australia, enhancing your defence against such deceptive tactics.