- Uncertain
- Scam
02 3815 5596 (0238155596): Contributors report impersonation calls claiming to be Telstra Technical Department offering internet support, plus silent calls.
Telstra Tech Support Impersonation Reports for 02 3815 5596
Two contributors have reported calls from 02 3815 5596 (also written as 0238155596) where callers impersonated Telstra technical support staff. Both incidents followed a similar script: the caller identified themselves as "David" from the "Technical Department" and claimed to be contacting about the recipient's internet connection. One contributor explicitly noted the caller had an Indian accent, a common indicator of offshore scam operations.
The number 0238155596 is allocated to Symbio Networks in NSW as a local service, which may add false legitimacy to incoming calls. However, legitimate Telstra inquiries would originate from Telstra's own infrastructure, not through third-party providers.
What Callers from 02 3815 5596 Have Claimed
Both contributors who answered calls from 02 3815 5596 reported identical opening tactics. The caller introduced themselves by the name "David" working in Telstra's "Technical Department" and immediately pivoted to discussing internet-related issues. No specific technical details, error codes, or account information were mentioned in the reports, which is typical of broad-brush scam calls designed to hook victims into engagement.
The approach mirrors common tech support scams where callers attempt to gain remote access to devices or extract payment for fake services. By claiming affiliation with Telstra, a major Australian provider, the caller exploits consumer trust in the brand name.
Silent Call and Pattern Activity
Beyond the impersonation attempts, one additional contributor reported receiving a silent call from 02 3815 5596 where the caller remained silent when answered. This silent call behaviour often precedes scam activity or is used to confirm an active phone number for follow-up targeting. Combined with the two impersonation reports, the pattern suggests deliberate scam calling behaviour rather than accidental dialling.
A fourth report noted the number called but left no voicemail, consistent with volume-based scam calling where callers dial multiple numbers and only engage with those who answer.
What to Do If You Receive a Call from 02 3815 5596
If 02 3815 5596 calls you:
- Do not: Provide any personal information, account details, or financial information; grant remote access to your device; follow instructions to download software or visit websites the caller suggests
- Do: Hang up immediately; verify any technical issues directly by calling Telstra on their official number (13 2200) from a separate phone; report the number to ACMA and Scamwatch
- Hang up if: A caller claims to be from Telstra but you didn't initiate contact; the caller creates urgency around your internet or account; they ask you to confirm existing passwords or PINs
What to Do If You Receive an SMS from 02 3815 5596
If you receive an SMS claiming to be from Telstra or technical support:
- Do not: Click any links in the message; reply to confirm your number; download any attachments
- Do: Delete the message immediately; block the number; forward the SMS to 0429 999 888 (ACMA's SMS spam reporting service); report it to Scamwatch
How to Report 02 3815 5596
- ACMA (Australian Communications and Media Authority): Report the call at acma.gov.au or call 1300 850 152
- Scamwatch: Lodge a report at scamwatch.gov.au with details of what was said and when the call occurred
- Telstra: Report the impersonation directly to Telstra's fraud team at 13 2200 or via their official website to help them track fraudulent use of their brand
- Reverseau: Share your experience with 0238155596 on this page to help other Australians identify this number
Help others by sharing your experience with (02) 3815 5596!
WRITE A REVIEWRatings Distribution
What Our Users Reviewed
Didn't answer, no voicemail left
Indian scammer. Said he was David from "Technical Dept" of Telstra re: my internet.
Bloke claiming David from Telstra Technical Department about internet, sounds like scam
Answered and they just sat there in silence
Help others by sharing your experience with (02) 3815 5596!
WRITE A REVIEWFrequently Asked Questions
Is 02 3815 5596 a real Telstra number?
No. The number 02 3815 5596 (0238155596) is allocated to Symbio Networks, a NSW internet service provider, not Telstra. Telstra would contact you from its own systems. If you're unsure about a call claiming to be from Telstra, hang up and call Telstra directly on 13 2200 to verify.
What should I do if I already gave information to the caller from 02 3815 5596?
If you shared personal details, account numbers, or passwords with 02 3815 5596, contact your bank and internet provider immediately to report the incident. Consider changing passwords for critical accounts. Monitor your accounts for unauthorised activity and consider placing a fraud alert with your financial institution.
Why do scammers claim to be from Telstra?
Telstra is Australia's largest telecommunications provider, so impersonating them on 02 3815 5596 or similar numbers adds false credibility. Consumers are more likely to trust and engage with a major brand name, giving scammers time to build rapport and extract information or payment.
What does it mean when 02 3815 5596 calls but hangs up or stays silent?
Silent calls from 0238155596 are often used by scam operations to confirm your number is active and answered by a real person. This information is then sold to other scammers or used for follow-up targeting. Do not call back; block the number instead.
How can I block 02 3815 5596 on my phone?
On most Australian mobile phones, you can block 0238155596 by opening your call history, selecting the number, and choosing 'Block' or 'Add to Blocked Contacts.' On landlines, contact your provider about call filtering options. You can also register with the Do Not Call Register at donotcall.gov.au, though this may not stop scammers.
Should I report 02 3815 5596 to the police?
Yes. You can report the call from 0238155596 to Australian Federal Police via their online reporting service at cyber.gov.au if it involved attempted fraud or data theft. ACMA and Scamwatch (scamwatch.gov.au) also track these numbers to build evidence patterns against scam operations.