02 5135 2528: Scam Robocall Alert – Department of Immigration Impersonation

• Scam

The phone number 02 5135 2528 has been reported as a scam robocall impersonating the Department of Immigration. Learn how to handle calls from this number effectively.

Understanding the Danger of 02 5135 2528

The phone number 02 5135 2528 / 0251352528 has garnered significant attention from users across Australia, with multiple reports categorising it as a scam. Specifically, this number is associated with robocalls that are trying to impersonate official government departments, particularly the Department of Immigration. This alarming trend has raised concerns among everyday Australians, prompting the need for vigilance.

Insights from User Reports

Reports detail a consistent theme of fraudulent activity tied to this number. On 19 May 2024, one user noted that when they answered the call, it took a full minute before a robotic voice responded, a common tactic employed by scam callers to gauge the likelihood of legitimate contact. Another user reported on 23 May 2024 that the caller claimed to be from the Department of Immigration, a tactic designed to exploit the trust between the public and government entities.

Further compounding the issue, a report from 26 May 2024 indicated that the call originated from Bungendore, NSW and included a voicemail left in Mandarin. This tactic illustrates the scammers' attempt to reach a broader audience, potentially endangering many who may not be fluent in English or who may assume it is an important call related to visas or residency.

Classification of the Phone Number

Based on the user feedback, it is clear that 02 5135 2528 / 0251352528 is best classified as a scam robocall. These types of scams are particularly insidious as they often prey on fear and confusion, especially by representing themselves as an authoritative body like the Department of Immigration.

How to Handle Calls from This Number

• Do Not Engage: If you receive a call from this number, avoid engaging in conversation. Instead, hang up immediately.
• Do Not Provide Personal Information: Legitimate organisations will never ask for sensitive personal information through an unsolicited phone call.
• Use Reverseau: Conduct a reverse phone lookup on Reverseau to ascertain the nature of unknown numbers.
• Report the Caller: Document the scam by reporting the number to the appropriate authorities, such as the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).

If you want to know more about unidentified numbers, utilise services like Reverse Phone Lookup Australia to aid in identifying potential scams. It is vital to stay informed and cautious, especially when dealing with suspicious numbers such as 02 5135 2528 / 0251352528.