0497 269 216: Scam Alert – PayPal Payment Phishing Attempt

• Scam

0497 269 216 has been reported as a scam phone number attempting to learn about a fictitious $799 PayPal payment. Read our guide on handling calls from such numbers and protect your personal information.

Understanding the Threat of 0497 269 216

The phone number 0497 269 216 / 0497269216 has garnered attention recently for its suspicious activity. Users have reported receiving calls from this number with claims regarding a fictitious $799 PayPal transaction, indicating a likely phishing attempt. Such scams fall under the broader category of fraud involving financial services, where attackers seek personal information by inducing fear or confusion.

Analysing the Scam

According to a user review dated 18/02/2025, the caller inquired about an unexpected payment made through PayPal. The review clearly showed that the recipient found no record of such a transaction in their PayPal account. This is a common tactic employed by scammers, as they aim to create a sense of urgency and conspiracy, prompting recipients to reveal sensitive information such as login credentials or credit card details.

What to Do If You Receive a Call From This Number?

• Do Not Engage: Avoid responding to requests for personal or financial information over the phone.
• Verify Independently: If the caller claims to be from a reputable company, hang up and contact the company using an official number.
• Report the Number: Inform local authorities and use services like Reverseau for search and reporting.
• Block the Number: Most mobile devices offer the ability to block numbers, which can help reduce the chance of future scam calls.

Guarding Against Scams

In Australia, dealing with such emerging scams requires diligence. It is advisable to regularly review guidelines on how to recognise and report phishing attempts. Platforms like Reverseau can provide clarity on suspicious phone numbers through user reports. If you're questioning who called you, consider using Reverse Phone Lookup Australia to find more information about unfamiliar numbers.

Staying informed is your best protection against these scams. If you encounter 0497 269 216 / 0497269216, remember it is a phishing attempt aimed at financial exploitation, and take the recommended precautions to safeguard your personal information.