- Scam
Beware of calls from 0488 845 527, associated with a Gumtree scam. Learn how to identify potential fraud and protect yourself against scammers in Australia.
What You Need to Know About 0488 845 527
The phone number 0488 845 527 / 0488845527 has been repeatedly reported by users as linked to fraudulent activity, particularly targeting individuals on platforms like Gumtree. Classified as a scam caller, this number appears to be used by a potential fraudster posing as a buyer who is interested in purchasing and making payments for listed items. If you've posted an advertisement online, be cautious of interactions from this number.
User Experiences
In multiple instances, reports indicate that the individual behind this number often contacts sellers soon after they post items for sale. The typical behaviour includes offering to purchase items but requesting sensitive information such as bank details for "payment processing." Such tactics are characteristic of scams aiming to extract financial information or money from unsuspecting victims.
The Scam Process
Scammers often employ various tricks to build trust, such as feigning interest and asking specific questions related to their advertisement. In one particular report dated 21/06/2024, a user recounted a series of messages from a person claiming to be "Brett". After being asked to speak directly over the phone, the user received a suspicious call from 0488 845 527 / 0488845527, during which the caller, who had an Indian accent, abruptly hung up when asked for identification.
How to Handle Calls from This Number
- Do Not Share Personal Information: Never provide sensitive details, including bank account numbers or personal identification information, to unknown callers.
- Verify Caller Identity: If you receive a call from this number and suspect it's a scam, hang up and do not engage further.
- Report the Scam: Consider reporting the incident to Scamwatch or your local authorities to help prevent others from falling victim.
- Utilise Reverse Phone Lookup: To check the legitimacy of unknown calls, use services like Reverseau for a safer experience in handling unsolicited calls.
Final Thoughts
In today’s world, online scams are prevalent, especially in peer-to-peer marketplace platforms. The number 0488 845 527 / 0488845527 serves as a reminder to stay vigilant when conducting transactions online. Always trust your instincts and take the necessary precautions to safeguard your personal information.
Help others by sharing your experience with 0488 845 527!
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What Our Users Reviewed
I put an ad on Gumtree. A scammer sent a message in minutes saying he wanted to buy my items. A total of 4 messages in 4 days. I told him each time to phone me direct on the number in the Gumtree ad, but he always made the excuse that he was working in Kalgoorlie & was busy at work/travelling etc. I only replied to his Gumtree messages in the Gumtree system before deleting the Gumtree (my email) links. He used the name Brett & was trying to get me to give him my bank details & such so he could send me payment etc. The usual.
On day five I received a call from a male with an Indian accent. He asked to speak to me by the name I use on the Gumtree ad, which is my name, but not the name I use on a daily basis. I did not ID myself, but asked who was calling. He just hung up the phone. Seems to me that the call I received from number 0488845527 was the Gumtree scammer (Brett) who was sending me messages on Gumtree.
Beware.