- Scam
02 3816 1545 (0238161545): Community reports describe GP impersonation calls and automated robocalls with language selection prompts from NSW.
GP Impersonation and Robocall Reports for 02 3816 1545
Two contributors have flagged 02 3816 1545 (also written as 0238161545) for suspicious activity combining GP impersonation tactics with automated robocall behaviour. One report describes a caller claiming affiliation with a local GP practice, while another involves an automated system requesting language preference via text and call. Both incidents occurred within 24 hours, suggesting coordinated activity from this NSW-allocated number.
The GP impersonation report is particularly concerning because the caller already possessed knowledge of the recipient's healthcare provider, adding credibility to the false claim. When the recipient verified with their actual GP, the medical practice confirmed they had not initiated contact and indicated they planned to take protective measures in response.
What Callers from 02 3816 1545 Say and Do
The impersonation caller claimed to be contacting on behalf of the recipient's GP practice, stating that medical records needed updating. The approach was direct and appeared designed to elicit personal health information or verification details. The recipient's immediate decision to hang up prevented any further interaction.
The robocall variant sent an SMS stating '1 for Chinese or 2 for English', followed by a call that disconnected immediately. This pattern suggests an automated system testing numbers for responsiveness, with language selection potentially used to segment victims for follow-up scam attempts. The combination of text and immediate call hangup is typical of mass robocall campaigns mapping active phone numbers.
Report Patterns and Timing
Both incidents involving 0238161545 occurred on consecutive days in late March, with the GP impersonation reported on 24 March and the robocall on 23 March. The rapid succession and different tactics suggest this number may be actively cycling through various scam approaches. One contributor described receiving both a text and call within the same incident, indicating the operation does not rely on a single contact method.
What to Do If You Receive a Call from 02 3816 1545
If 02 3816 1545 calls you:
- Do not: Confirm personal details, healthcare information, or banking details over the phone
- Do not: Return the call or engage with the caller
- Do: Hang up immediately if a caller claims to be from your GP or medical provider
- Do: Contact your GP directly using the number on your patient card or their official website to verify any claimed service requests
- Do: Block the number in your phone settings to prevent further contact
- Do: Report repeated calls to your phone provider
What to Do If You Receive an SMS from 02 3816 1545
If 0238161545 sends you an SMS:
- Do not: Reply to the message or press any numbers as requested
- Do not: Click any links in the message
- Do: Delete the message immediately
- Do: Report it as spam to your mobile provider
- Do: Forward the SMS to 0429 999 888 (ACMA's Spam and Scam Reporting service)
- Do: Block the sender
How to Report 02 3816 1545
If you receive suspicious calls or SMS from 02 3816 1545, report the incident to:
- ACMA (Australian Communications and Media Authority): Report the call or message at acma.gov.au - they investigate scam and robocall activity
- Scamwatch: Lodge a detailed report at scamwatch.gov.au to help warn other Australians about this number
- Your GP practice: Notify your actual healthcare provider that their details are being used in impersonation scams
- Reverseau: Contribute your experience with 02 3816 1545 to help your community stay informed
Help others by sharing your experience with (02) 3816 1545!
WRITE A REVIEWRatings Distribution
What Our Users Reviewed
Lady from near Batemans Bay said my GP wanted records updated, I hung up, called GP to check and they said they were going to take measures
Texted and called then hung up straight away, texted '1 for Chinese or 2 for English'
Help others by sharing your experience with (02) 3816 1545!
WRITE A REVIEWFrequently Asked Questions
Why would a scammer claim to be from my GP?
Impersonating trusted healthcare providers adds credibility to scam calls. The contributor who received the 02 3816 1545 call noted the caller already knew which GP they used, making the false claim more convincing. Scammers use this trust to extract personal health information, banking details, or payment. Always verify independently by contacting your GP directly using the number on your patient card, not any number provided by the caller.
What does the '1 for Chinese or 2 for English' text from 0238161545 mean?
This language selection prompt is a hallmark of mass robocall operations testing which numbers are active and monitored. By requesting a response, the automated system confirms the number is in use and the owner is responsive. The contributor who reported this 02 3816 1545 incident received both a text and immediate call, indicating the system is mapping active numbers for follow-up scam attempts. Do not respond to these prompts.
Should I call back 02 3816 1545 if I see a missed call?
No. Do not return calls to unknown numbers, especially those reported for impersonation or robocall activity like 0238161545. Returning the call confirms your number is active and monitored, likely triggering further contact or selling your details to other scammers. If you suspect a legitimate service tried to reach you, independently verify using official contact information (e.g., call your GP directly using their main reception number).
Is 02 3816 1545 definitely a scam number?
Based on community reports, 02 3816 1545 has been used for scam activities including GP impersonation and robocalls. However, phone numbers can be spoofed by scammers to appear local. The key is assessing the behaviour: unsolicited calls claiming to be from your GP, robocall language prompts, and immediate hangups are all classic scam indicators. Treat any unsolicited call from 0238161545 with caution and verify independently.
What should I do if my GP details are being impersonated?
Contact your GP practice directly (using the number on your patient card, not any provided by a caller) and inform them that their identity is being used in scams from 02 3816 1545. They may take protective steps to warn other patients and notify authorities. Also report to Scamwatch at scamwatch.gov.au and ACMA at acma.gov.au so the impersonation is officially logged.
How can I block 02 3816 1545 on my phone?
Most Australian phones allow blocking numbers directly: open your call log, find 02 3816 1545 (or 0238161545), and select 'Block' or 'Block Contact'. On iPhone, use the phone app, tap the number, and choose 'Block this Caller'. On Android, long-press the number and tap 'Block'. You can also contact your mobile provider to request network-level blocking of this number, which prevents calls from reaching your phone entirely.