- Suspicious
Community report for 02 6916 0596 (0269160596): Caller impersonated government official regarding immigration documents with Chinese language option.
Impersonation Report for 02 6916 0596
One contributor has reported a suspicious call from 02 6916 0596 (also written as 0269160596) claiming to be about an immigration document. The caller offered a Chinese language option during the call, suggesting a targeted approach toward non-English speakers. This type of impersonation - posing as a government immigration official - is a common tactic used to extract personal information or establish credibility before requesting payment or sensitive details.
The call originated from Barmedman in NSW. The contributor answered the call, indicating the caller successfully made contact. Impersonation of government agencies, particularly immigration authorities, is frequently used in scams targeting vulnerable populations who may be less familiar with Australian government processes or communication protocols.
What the Caller from 02 6916 0596 Claimed
According to the report, the caller from 0269160596 referenced an immigration document and provided language selection options. The inclusion of a Chinese language option suggests the caller was specifically targeting Chinese-speaking Australians or migrants. This targeted approach is a red flag, as legitimate Australian government agencies do not cold-call about outstanding documents - they communicate through official channels such as myGov or registered mail.
What to Do If You Receive a Call from 02 6916 0596
If 02 6916 0596 calls you:
- Do not: Engage with requests for personal information, passport details, visa status, or payment
- Do not: Confirm your identity, name, or residential address
- Do not: Return the call if it disconnects
- Do: Hang up immediately
- Do: Verify any immigration claims directly by calling the Department of Home Affairs official line or checking your myGov account
- Do: Block the number 02 6916 0596 on your phone to prevent future contact
How to Report 02 6916 0596
If you receive a similar call from this number, report it to Australian authorities:
- Scamwatch: scamwatch.gov.au - report government impersonation scams
- ACMA (Australian Communications and Media Authority): acma.gov.au - report unwanted calls and communications
- ReportCyber: cyber.gov.au - if the call involved requests for online banking or credential theft
- Reverseau: Help the community by reporting this number and sharing your experience
When reporting, include the phone number 0269160596, the date and time of the call, what was said, and any language options offered.
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WRITE A REVIEWRatings Distribution
What Our Users Reviewed
Call from Barmedman NSW about an immigration document, option to select Chinese
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WRITE A REVIEWFrequently Asked Questions
Why would a caller impersonating immigration offer a Chinese language option?
Scammers using the 02 6916 0596 number appear to be specifically targeting Chinese-speaking Australians or migrants who may be less familiar with how genuine government agencies operate. Offering language options creates a false sense of legitimacy. Legitimate Department of Home Affairs communications arrive through myGov or official registered mail, never unsolicited calls offering language selection.
What should I do if I already gave personal information to a call from 02 6916 0596?
If you provided passport details, visa information, or banking details to a caller from 0269160596, contact the Department of Home Affairs immediately via their official website (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au) or call 131 881. If you shared banking information, contact your bank's fraud line. Monitor your account for unauthorised transactions and consider placing a fraud alert with the Australian Information Commissioner.
Is 02 6916 0596 a real government number?
No. The number 02 6916 0596 is a local service number allocated to a telecommunications provider, not a government department. Real Department of Home Affairs contact is through myGov portals, registered mail, or calling 131 881 (the official number). Never rely on a number provided by an unsolicited caller claiming to be from immigration.
What is the difference between a suspicious call and a scam?
The report for 0269160596 is categorised as suspicious rather than confirmed scam because the contributor answered but did not complete the interaction or lose money. However, impersonation of immigration officials is a serious red flag and should be treated as a potential scam attempt. The caller's use of language selection and immigration document references indicates deceptive intent.
Should I block 02 6916 0596 on my phone?
Yes. If you receive a call from 02 6916 0596 (0269160596), blocking the number is recommended. Most smartphones allow you to block numbers directly in your call history or contacts. This prevents the caller from reaching you again if they make repeated attempts.
Can I report this number to the Do Not Call Register?
The Do Not Call Register (donotcall.gov.au) applies to telemarketing calls. Since 02 6916 0596 appears to be impersonating a government agency to commit fraud, reporting to Scamwatch (scamwatch.gov.au) and ACMA (acma.gov.au) is more appropriate. These agencies can investigate potential scam activity and take action against the provider.