02 6196 0196: Scam Alert - Fraudulent Immigration Calls
Beware of 02 6196 0196, a number reported by users as a scam calling regarding immigration issues. Learn how to handle calls from this number.
Understanding the Risks Associated with 02 6196 0196
If you've received a call from 02 6196 0196 / 0261960196, it's essential to tread carefully. User reports indicate that this number is involved in fraudulent activities, primarily targeting individuals with claims of immigration concerns.
Many reports detail encounters where callers, often speaking Mandarin, impersonate officials from Australian immigration authorities or the Border Force. They often possess personal information about the recipients, such as names and visa details, making their claims appear more legitimate. These tactics raise red flags about the authenticity of the calls, resulting in a unanimous categorization of this number as associated with scams.
Nature of the Scam
Many users have experienced calls attempting to create panic regarding supposed immigration issues. The scam suggests that individuals have difficulties with their immigration status or references to false actions their personal information has supposedly been involved in, such as being linked to criminal activities in China. Common phrases employed by the callers include threats of visa restrictions, as well as emergency claims regarding parcel issues headed to China, all aimed at compelling recipients to disclose personal information.
How to Handle Calls from 02 6196 0196
- Do Not Engage: If you receive a call from this number, hang up immediately. Engaging with the callers can lead to further harassment.
- Do Not Provide Personal Information: Legitimate government officials will never ask for personal data or verification over the phone.
- Report the Call: Reach out to local authorities or government consumer protection agencies to report fraudulent activities.
- Use Reverse AU for Verification: Consider using Reverse Phone Lookup Australia services to gain more information about suspicious numbers.
In conclusion, 02 6196 0196 / 0261960196 has been reported extensively as a scam number with multiple victims coming forward, sharing experiences of intimidation and deceit while providing false claims of governmental operations. Utilizing resources like Reverse AU, you can take proactive measures to protect yourself and your information.
Anonymous
Mandarin speaking guy who already knew my last name and asked if it was a good time to talk. They claimed to be from the Australian Immigration Office and said they received complaints about a phone number (gave me a different AU number) involved in illegal activity. They told me the number was registered under my name, with my current number listed as a secondary contact. The caller then asked if I had signed a Vodafone contract on 16 April 2025 or shared my personal details with anyone recently.
They claimed the IP address linked to the registration was traced to Guangzhou, China and asked whether I was currently in Australia or China and if I have family in China who has my details. He provided his full name, work ID, and case number, and told me to report the issue to local Chinese police due to a supposed data leak in China. He then offered to transfer me to the “local Chinese police department.” I hung up, but they’ve been calling me non-stop since.
Orenstein
This mandarin-speaking number called me said from government department. I hang up the phone. It’s nonstop calling me, so f*ken annoying. Block this number straight away!!!
Phelan
I received two missed calls from the number (02) 6196 0196 a few minutes ago. After researching online, I found claims that this number is associated with the Australian Government Home Affairs. However, this number seems unfamiliar to me, so I will be cautious about answering calls from any number that appears to be from Australia in the future.
Loe
I'm writing to alert everyone that this phone number is still being used by scammers; I received a call from them again. Please exercise caution if you see this number.
Spratt
I received a phone call from the number (02) 6196 0196. The caller was a woman with an Asian accent, likely from mainland China. She spoke in English and claimed to be from the Department of Home Affairs. She knew my name and asked if I was someone specific. Then, she falsely stated that my visa application to China had been rejected. At that point, I realized it was a scam since I never applied for a visa to China. I advise everyone not to provide any personal information to such callers and to hang up immediately.
Blanche
I received a call from this number where the caller, who spoke with an Indian accent, claimed that I was shipping ice. This raised my suspicions about the legitimacy of the call.
Venus
The caller asked for me by my real name, claiming they had a package addressed to me from China. When I told the caller it sounded like a scam, she insisted it was legitimate and mentioned that the call was being recorded. After that, I didn't answer when they called again. I hesitate to pick up any calls from landlines now. Their tactics seem targeted as I have an Asian surname, which is unsettling. Many of the experiences others have shared here sound very familiar.
Kennamer
An English-speaking man phoned me claiming to be an officer from Australia Border Protection. He knew my name and mentioned a parcel that I supposedly sent. He has called me a total of 7 times, including instances where I either hung up or declined the call.
Shippey
Someone with an Indian accent called and attempted to scam me by pretending to be an officer from the Australian government regarding visas. The conversation felt highly suspicious.
Nilsson
A lady called about a package coming from/to China that involved sugar and medicine, which sounded suspicious. I told her I couldn't discuss anything without verifying her identity first. After checking, I discovered it was a scam, so be cautious as she does have your name.
Grindle
I got a scam text message pretending to be from Australia Post, claiming that the address on my package was incorrect. I blocked the message since I wasn’t expecting any parcel. Later, I received a call from this number, but I couldn't answer because I was on another call. After checking the number, I found a webpage with 38 complaints regarding this number.
Byerley
The person on the call claimed to be from the Australian Border Force but spoke in a strange accent, making me uncertain about the authenticity of their claim.
English
An Indian woman called my wife today, claiming she was from Border Force and had information regarding a package from China. However, the caller hung up immediately as soon as I joined the conversation.
Iyer
This caller keeps insisting that I’ve purchased seven guns and threatens to report me to ASIO. I initially found it amusing, but they just keep going on about it and attempting to transfer me to their manager because I was laughing.
Attard
I received a call from a scammer who mentioned something about luggage. The details were nonsensical and further confirm this is a scam.
Vendetti
ID 536592: An Asian caller contacted me, stating they were from Australian Border Force and had information regarding a package involved with Chinese customs in Guangzhou that was purportedly holding meth but declared as sugar. The phone number appeared as Customs Broker - 365 Freight and Customs PTY LTD in my Android contacts. The caller tried to feign legitimacy by asking me to verify their number.
Cavalieri
The call appeared to be made using an auto-dialer since there was a beep as soon as I picked up. The caller, who had an Indian accent, claimed to be from the Australian Border Force and told me there were issues with my immigration status, using my name during the call.
Rabinowitz
I received a call from someone with an Indian accent who claimed to represent Australian Immigration and knew my name. This raised my suspicions.
Hoop
A woman identifying herself as Robin called me and provided a job ID and document ID, claiming I was involved in immigration document fraud. She had a slight South American accent and insisted I visit an officer within two hours to avoid fines. It felt extremely bizarre and I suspect it was a scam.
Khurana
The caller asked about my immigration status in a polite manner, but when I mentioned that immigration departments don't contact individuals via mobile phone, he abruptly hung up while stating, "I’ll send an email." This encounter raises suspicions of a scam.
Anonymous
Scammers. Do not answer.
Waldeck
I just got a call from a Mandarin speaker who addressed me by name but could not speak English. This number was listed as belonging to the Department of Home Affairs in Canberra, which raises several red flags about its legitimacy.
Oliveros
The caller informed me that I have a parcel ready for pickup.
Pearcy
This phone number, (02) 6196 0196, is typical of Taiwan-based telephone scams that are currently circulating.
Shaff
The caller had a strong accent that was distinctly Chinese, not Taiwanese.
Anonymous
F*king scan number.
Zablocki
This caller speaks Mandarin with a strong accent typical of someone from Taiwan. They are impersonating an immigration department officer and alarming you by stating that you will be restricted from leaving the country within 2 hours because of a supposedly fake passport associated with China. This is clearly a scam and should be ignored.
Paschke
I received a call from a Mandarin speaker who told me I was restricted from leaving the country. I consider this a scam and strongly advise against trusting them.
Kissick
This caller, who spoke in Chinese, accurately knew my name and claimed to be from an official source, threatening to limit my visa. I believe they are using a fake number to impersonate the immigration authorities.
Giger
I received a scam call today claiming that my information was compromised in China, suggesting that my passport is with other questionable individuals. It’s important to be cautious about the claims they make.
Punzalan
This number claims to be from the Australian Immigration office and even knows my name. However, I am certain it is fraudulent, and I would advise against trusting any information they provide.
January
It's important to be aware of call spoofing, where scammers use fake numbers to disguise their true identity.
Wei
I suspect this call is a scam designed to lure individuals into international criminal activities. Please be cautious if you receive similar calls.
Bayona
The caller claimed to be from the Australian government and asked for my Mandarin name to verify my visa status. They mentioned that I had applied for a China mobile and that incorrect COVID information was sent to China. It seems like ridiculous fraud to me.
Halley
ID 337349: A Mandarin-speaking individual called, appeared to know my name, and likely had access to other personal information. The caller spoofed their phone number and was attempting to scam me. It is troubling that such deceitful individuals exist.
Hutton
I received a fraudulent call from the number (02) 6196 0196, which I believe is attempting to scam people.