0480 711 972: Scam Phone Call Posing as Westpac

• Suspicious

Beware of calls from 0480 711 972, which has been reported as a scam impersonating Westpac. This guide provides advice on how to respond to such calls and keep your personal information safe.

Overview of 0480 711 972

The phone number 0480 711 972 / 0480711972 has drawn attention due to reports from users indicating it is involved in a scam operation. Specifically, this number claims to represent Westpac, a major Australian bank, and thus has raised alarms about its legitimacy.

Classification of the Number

Based on user feedback, 0480 711 972 / 0480711972 is classified as a scam. The nature of the scam revolves around impersonating a known financial institution, Westpac, and notifying individuals of a supposed registration of a new device linked to their banking account.

Understanding the Scam

In this case, the scam strategy involves generating a sense of urgency. The caller claims that a new device has been registered without the knowledge of the account holder. This tactic is designed to invoke fear and prompt victims to respond urgently without analysing the situation. With the additional provided fake number (02460 13416) for the recipient to call back, scammers aim to establish a line of contact to extract sensitive personal or financial information.

How to Handle Calls from This Number

• Do Not Engage: If you receive a call from this number, it's advisable not to engage with the caller. Hang up and do not provide any personal information.
• Verify Independently: If you are concerned about any alerts pertaining to your bank account, use official contact details from the Westpac website to reach out to their customer service. Do not use any phone numbers provided by the caller.
• Report the Call: Consider reporting the scam call to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) or the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) to aid in combating such fraudulent activities.

Conclusion

In conclusion, 0480 711 972 / 0480711972 is a scam number representing a concerning trend in phone fraud where scammers impersonate legitimate organisations to access personal information. Always exercise caution and consider using a Reverse Phone Lookup Australia service like Reverseau to identify unknown numbers before returning calls. Protecting your personal information and being vigilant can reduce the risk of falling victim to such scams.