0489 948 879: Scam Call - Asian Lady Posing as Bureau of Statistics

• Scam
• Suspicious

The number 0489 948 879 has been reported as a scam call, with callers posing as representatives from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Read on for insights on identifying scam calls and how to handle them effectively.

The phone number 0489 948 879 / 0489948879 has emerged as a notable cause for concern among users who have reported it as a scam. Based on various accounts, it appears that callers, particularly an Asian lady with a strong accent, claim to be conducting surveys on behalf of the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) or local council. However, this number has demonstrated classic signs of a scam, prompting the need for caution.

Identifying the Scam

Users have consistently noted a pattern of behaviour from the callers using this number. On 23 October 2023, one user reported receiving a call from an Asian lady claiming to represent the ABS. When the user requested clarification, the caller abruptly hung up. This suggests a lack of legitimate intent, typical of scam operators.

Another report from 27 October featured a similar approach, where a caller asserted they were with a local council and asked for sensitive information, such as age range. Once the user hesitated to divulge personal details, the caller again chose to end the call abruptly. Such actions signal a probable intent to scam, rather than a genuine survey effort.

Protecting Yourself

Given the increase in reports regarding the legitimacy of this phone number, it is essential to remain vigilant. Here are some steps to effectively handle calls from suspicious numbers:

• Do Not Provide Personal Information: Always refrain from giving out sensitive information, such as your age, address, or financial details to unsolicited callers.
• Hang Up If Suspicious: If at any point a caller makes you feel uncomfortable or refuses to provide clear details about their organisation, it’s best to terminate the conversation.
• Report the Number: If you suspect a scam, report the number to the relevant authorities or through services like Reverseau to warn others and seek further support.
• Use Reverse Phone Lookup: Services such as Reverse Phone Lookup Australia can help you identify the origin of unfamiliar numbers.

In conclusion, 0489 948 879 / 0489948879 is associated with scam activities deceptively posing as legitimate surveys. Awareness and vigilance against such calls can greatly reduce the risk of falling victim to scams. Stay alert, and if you receive a call from this number, it’s advisable to take the steps mentioned above to protect yourself.