- Scam
Community report for 02 3815 1731 (0238151731): Recorded robocall impersonating Immigration Department in English and Chinese.
Government Impersonation Robocall from 02 3815 1731
A contributor has reported receiving an unsolicited recorded call from 02 3815 1731 (also written as 0238151731) claiming to be from the Immigration Department. The robocall was delivered in both English and Chinese, a common tactic to target broader audiences. This type of impersonation is a serious red flag, as legitimate government agencies do not contact residents via unsolicited recorded messages making demands or claims.
What the Robocall from 02 3815 1731 Claims
The recorded message stated it was from the Immigration Department. The caller did not engage in a two-way conversation, indicating an automated robocall system. The multilingual nature of the message in English and Chinese suggests this number may be part of a wider campaign targeting specific population groups.
No personal details were mentioned in the contributor's report about 0238151731, but the unsolicited nature and government impersonation are key warning signs. Scammers use robocalls to reach large volumes of people quickly, hoping some will respond or provide information.
Why Government Impersonation via Robocall is Risky
Robocalls impersonating government agencies like Immigration Department are designed to create urgency and bypass skepticism. Many people assume a call claiming government authority must be legitimate. The use of recorded messages allows scammers to avoid direct conversation, making it harder to ask verification questions. When the same message plays in multiple languages, it indicates a coordinated campaign rather than a genuine individual government contact.
What to Do If You Receive a Call from 02 3815 1731
If 02 3815 1731 calls you:
- Do not: Engage with recorded messages, provide personal information (name, date of birth, visa details, passport number), or return the call
- Do: Let it go to voicemail immediately, hang up as soon as you recognise the robocall, and block the number
- Do verify independently: If the message claims urgent immigration action is needed, contact the Department of Home Affairs directly using the official phone number from their website (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au) or visit a physical office
- Do not rely on phone numbers: Any callback number provided in the robocall message should not be trusted, as scammers often include fake contact details
How to Report 02 3815 1731
Report this robocall through the following official Australian channels:
- ACMA (Australian Communications and Media Authority): Report robocalls and scam numbers at acma.gov.au or call 1300 850 152
- Scamwatch: Report government impersonation scams at scamwatch.gov.au
- Department of Home Affairs: Notify them of impersonation using their fraud reporting process at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
- ReportCyber: For cybersecurity-related aspects, report at cyber.gov.au
- Block and contribute: Block 0238151731 on your phone and add your report to Reverseau to help other Australians identify this number
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What Our Users Reviewed
Claimed to be from Immigration Department, recorded message in English and Chinese, totally unsolicited
Help others by sharing your experience with (02) 3815 1731!
WRITE A REVIEWFrequently Asked Questions
Is 02 3815 1731 really from the Immigration Department?
No. Legitimate government agencies like the Department of Home Affairs do not contact people via unsolicited recorded robocalls. If you receive a call from 02 3815 1731 claiming to be from Immigration, hang up immediately. To verify any genuine immigration matter, contact the Department of Home Affairs directly using the official number on their website immi.homeaffairs.gov.au, never by calling back a number from the robocall.
Why did the robocall from 0238151731 play messages in English and Chinese?
Scammers use multiple languages to increase the reach of their robocall campaigns. By playing messages in English and Chinese, they target a larger audience at once. This multilingual approach suggests the number 0238151731 is part of a coordinated scam operation, not a legitimate government contact trying to reach a specific individual.
What should I do if I already responded to the robocall from 02 3815 1731?
If you pressed any buttons or provided any information to 02 3815 1731, monitor your accounts closely for suspicious activity. Change passwords for email and any government portals (like myGov) immediately. Contact the Department of Home Affairs directly to report the scam and confirm there are no issues with your immigration status. You may also lodge a report with Scamwatch at scamwatch.gov.au.
Can I block 0238151731 on my phone?
Yes, absolutely. Block 02 3815 1731 using your phone's call blocking feature. On most Australian phones, you can add 0238151731 to your blocked contacts or use your phone provider's spam filter. If the robocall continues from different numbers, contact your service provider (in this case, Symbio Networks) to request additional filtering options.
Should I report 02 3815 1731 to the police?
You can report 02 3815 1731 to the police if you believe you have been defrauded or provided sensitive information. However, the fastest way to report government impersonation robocalls is through ACMA at acma.gov.au and Scamwatch at scamwatch.gov.au. These agencies actively track such scams and can take action faster than local police.
Why would scammers target people using 0238151731?
Scammers use robocalls from numbers like 0238151731 to cast a wide net. They're not targeting specific individuals; they're hoping anyone who receives the call might be confused enough to engage or provide details. Government impersonation robocalls are particularly effective because people assume government agencies are legitimate, creating a false sense of authority that makes victims more likely to comply.