The phone number 0499 094 963 / 0499094963 has recently been flagged as a scam, particularly associated with phishing attempts targeting users' MyGov accounts. Reports indicate that callers from this number are asking individuals to click on suspicious links to purportedly receive important information about family benefits. Such tactics are common in phishing scams, where the objective is to harvest personal and financial information.
Classification: After analyzing user reports, it is evident that 0499 094 963 / 0499094963 is not merely a telemarketer; it is part of a well-orchestrated scam designed to mislead vulnerable individuals. Being associated with MyGov, which is a government service portal, only serves to lend it an air of illegitimacy, fooling people into thinking they are interacting with a legitimate government representative.
Types of Scam: The specific nature of this scam revolves around social engineering—manipulating social tendencies to exploit trust. Individuals are lured into clicking on links that may lead to phishing sites, potentially jeopardising personal data. This type of scam is particularly dangerous as it can result in identity theft, fraudulent loans, and other financial misdoings.
How to Handle Calls from 0499 094 963:
- Do not engage: If you receive a call from this number, it’s best to remain silent or hang up. Engaging further can lead to a more persistent patterns of calling.
- Don’t click on links: If asked to click on links for any online service, especially government-related, do not proceed. Legitimate organisations will not ask you to verify your account via unverified links.
- Report the call: Use Reverseau to help others identify this number as a potential threat. Reporting helps to compile a database of known scams in Australia.
In conclusion, be vigilant and cautious when receiving calls from unknown or suspicious numbers like 0499 094 963 / 0499094963. Knowledge and awareness are your best tools to combat these scams and protect your personal information.