- Uncertain
- Scam
02 3816 1533 (0238161533): Community reports describe automated robocall impersonating Department of Immigration with prompt to press 1.
Robocall Impersonation Reports for 02 3816 1533
Two contributors have flagged 02 3816 1533 (also written as 0238161533) for suspicious robocall activity. The pattern involves an automated recording claiming to represent the Department of Immigration, prompting callers to press 1 for further interaction. One contributor received this as a voicemail message, while another report indicates the call was flagged for potential fraud when attempts to return the call were made.
The use of a robotic voice combined with government impersonation is a common technique in phone scams targeting Australian residents. Community reports about 0238161533 suggest this number may be part of a broader robocall campaign designed to trick people into engaging with a fraudulent service.
What Callers from 02 3816 1533 Say
The voicemail left on one contributor's phone identified the caller as from the 'Dept of Immigration' and instructed the recipient to press 1. This is a typical robocall script designed to verify the number is active and to connect victims to a live operator who would then attempt social engineering or credential harvesting.
Contributors report that 02 3816 1533 used an automated, robotic voice rather than a human caller. This automated approach is characteristic of large-scale scam operations that use call centres to contact thousands of numbers daily, filtering for active phone lines.
Report Patterns and Timing
One contributor received the call from 02 3816 1533 on 23 March 2026 via voicemail, while a second report flagged the number on 26 March 2026 after detecting potential fraud. The spacing between these reports suggests ongoing activity from this number or associated numbers in the same scam network.
The fact that one contributor could not call back 0238161533 suggests the number may not be a genuine service line but rather a spoofed or temporary identifier used to mask the true origin of the robocall.
What to Do If You Receive a Call from 02 3816 1533
If 02 3816 1533 calls you:
- Do not: Press any number when prompted, return the call, or engage with the recorded message
- Do: Let it go to voicemail, block the number immediately, and do not respond to any follow-up contact
- Do: Verify directly with the Department of Immigration via their official phone number (not by calling back the number that called you)
- Do: Be aware that government departments will not contact you via unsolicited robocalls demanding immediate action
What to Do If You Receive a Voicemail from 02 3816 1533
If 0238161533 leaves a voicemail:
- Do not: Return the call or follow any instructions in the message
- Do: Delete the message and block the number
- Do: Report it to Scamwatch (scamwatch.gov.au) and ACMA (acma.gov.au)
- Do: If the message mentions a specific issue (visa, visa expiry, immigration case), contact the Department of Home Affairs directly using their official website to verify
How to Report 02 3816 1533
If you receive a robocall from 02 3816 1533, report it to:
- Scamwatch: scamwatch.gov.au - Report the scam and receive official confirmation
- ACMA: acma.gov.au - Report the robocall and unsolicited contact; ACMA investigates telemarketing and call centre breaches
- Reverseau: Share your experience on this page to help warn other Australian phone users about 0238161533
- Do Not Call Register: If you've asked not to be contacted, register your complaint at donotcall.gov.au
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Phone flagged for potential fraud, could not call back
Robocall 'Dept of Immigration', press 1 for...
Help others by sharing your experience with (02) 3816 1533!
WRITE A REVIEWFrequently Asked Questions
Is 02 3816 1533 a real government number?
No. 02 3816 1533 (0238161533) is not an official Department of Immigration contact number. The robocall claim to be from that department is false. The Department of Home Affairs will contact you through official channels, not via unsolicited robocalls. If you need to verify your immigration status, visit the Department of Home Affairs website directly.
What happens if I press 1 when prompted by 0238161533?
If you press 1 on a robocall from 02 3816 1533, you will likely be connected to a scammer posing as an immigration officer. They may attempt to extract personal information, banking details, or convince you to pay a false fee. Pressing 1 also confirms your number is active, leading to more calls from this number or related scam operations.
Why can't I call 02 3816 1533 back?
The number 0238161533 may not be a genuine phone line. Scammers often use spoofed numbers that appear legitimate but are not active for incoming calls. This is a tactic to prevent victims from verifying the call or reporting the number. If you can't reach a number that supposedly contacted you, that's a red flag it's fraudulent.
What should I do if I already pressed 1 on a call from 02 3816 1533?
Do not provide any personal or financial information. If you spoke to someone claiming to be from immigration, hang up immediately and contact the Department of Home Affairs directly using their official phone number. Monitor your accounts for suspicious activity and consider registering with the ACMA Do Not Call Register. Report the robocall to Scamwatch and ACMA.
Is this a common immigration scam in Australia?
Yes. Robocalls impersonating the Department of Immigration or Home Affairs are a widespread scam targeting Australian residents. Scammers create urgency by claiming visa issues or immigration violations, pressuring people to press 1 or provide details. Always be sceptical of unsolicited calls claiming to be government agencies. Legitimate government contact typically comes via email or official letters, not robocalls.
How do I block 0238161533 permanently?
Block 02 3816 1533 in your phone's call settings or contact your mobile provider to request a block on this number. Report it to the Do Not Call Register at donotcall.gov.au. You can also report the robocall to ACMA at acma.gov.au, which may lead to the number being shut down if part of a larger enforcement action.