Text Message from Australian Super about Tax Deduction - Fraudulent?

mboy on 21/06/2024 - 14:25
Last edited 21/06/2024 - 14:30

I just got a text message on my phone about half an hour ago:

Sender: AusSuper (it's one of those alphanumeric sender ID's, no number)
Message: "AustralianSuper has processed your request to claim a tax deduction. Please refer to the confirmation letter sent to you outlining your claim and next steps."

First of all, I'm not with Australian Super, nor have I ever been. I know that Sender ID can be spoofed for spam/scams (I've received a few fraudulent ones in the past with the alphanumeric sender ID 'AusPost'). But the contents of the message seem legitimate to me; there's no link, no return contact details, no urgent 'call to action'. In fact, I'd be more inclined to bet that someone's using my number on their Australian Super account - but I'm unsure whether they're doing that by accident, or trying to pull off something fraudulent.

I called Australia Super just before, and they weren't able to find an account under my name (as expected). Unfortunately the phone rep wasn't able to search for accounts by phone number, and suggested I instead put in a web enquiry on the website, which I've done - but that contact form has a 5 working day turnaround.

So in the meantime, while I wait for a reply, I'm curious to know whether anyone can suggest what might be happening here? Thanks.

EDIT: Also, I've had this phone number for as long as I can remember. I didn't acquire it recently.

Financial Superannuation

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AustralianSuper
AustralianSuper

Comments

  • freefall101 on 21/06/2024 - 14:27
    +7

    Someone probably put in the wrong phone number on their account.

    • mboy on 21/06/2024 - 14:30

      That's my leading theory too. But I suppose I'm wondering whether there is any capacity here for fraud - ie. could someone use my number as part of an identity theft / misrepresentation scheme..

      • freefall101 on 21/06/2024 - 14:31
        +1

        There would be an account in your name and they'd use their own phone number, not the other way around.

        • mboy on 21/06/2024 - 14:36

          That's a good point. Thanks.

      • jv on 21/06/2024 - 14:33

        I'm wondering whether there is any capacity here for fraud

        Only if they submit your tax return and change your bank details with the ATO.

  • Duckie2hh on 21/06/2024 - 14:51
    +9

    First of all, I'm not with Australian Super

    Why even bother going any further?

    • MS Paint on 21/06/2024 - 15:03

      Exactly. Delete. Move on.

  • netjock on 21/06/2024 - 15:27
    -5

    Definitely a scam. Australian super is one of the largest super companies in Australia.

    I got a scam call from the UK for HSBC of all companies. HSBC is UK HQ but why would it not come from Australia or even India where they have outsourced operations. UK doesn't even make sense from time zone perspective.

    I had fun when I went around in circles with them until I personally checked my accounts and sent the money off via Bpay for utilities etc. Basically all scammers want to help you keep your money safe by moving it somewhere else (their account) where as I am just moving it into mine LOL

    • askbargain on 21/06/2024 - 19:19

      How would the scam work?

      • netjock on 21/06/2024 - 19:32
        -4

        if you don't I won't tell you.

        I had a guy call me pretending to be from NBN and saying there is suspicious activity on my internet connection.

        First red flag is NBN won't be calling you it would be your retailer.

        Second red flag is they asked who are you with for your mobile provider.

        They didn't get to the third but they'd be asking me for the code from text message from my mobile provider to port out my number then use it to get into my online banking.

        Not obvious but usually follows a pattern.

        There is another one that they called me saying they can save 40% off my mobile bill.

        First red flag is they didn't know how much I was paying and can't give me a firm number.

        Googled it and it was the scam where they said we'll knock 40% off, just send us the money to our account. They pay your bill using stolen credit cards. You find out 30 days later because there is a charge back.

        I worked in banking for a long time and I've seen my fair share of this stuff.

  • BoltThrower on 21/06/2024 - 16:01

    Install Truecaller on your phone. It has blacklists for scammers, and the ones that don't will tell you the phone number and carrier. If it's Vodafone, just block.

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