- Suspicious
One contributor reported a call from 02 7248 1211 (0272481211) impersonating the Australian Cyber Security Centre, claiming to know their name but failing basic verification checks.
ACSC Impersonation Report for 02 7248 1211
A single contributor has reported receiving a call from 02 7248 1211 (also written as 0272481211) from someone claiming to represent the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC). The caller knew the recipient's name, which is a common social engineering tactic used to build credibility during impersonation attempts. However, the caller was unable to answer basic questions, raising immediate red flags about their legitimacy.
The number 0272481211 is registered as a local NSW service through Symbio Networks. The contributor's experience highlights how scammers use real organisation names and basic personal information to bypass initial scepticism.
What the Caller from 02 7248 1211 Did
According to the report, the caller from 02 7248 1211 employed a classic impersonation approach by opening with the recipient's name to establish familiarity. When the recipient questioned the caller's legitimacy by asking them to verify their location with a simple fact (the time in Sydney), the caller could not respond adequately. This suggests the caller was either unprepared for basic verification questions or was deliberately evading verification.
The contributor noted that they could not find the number 0272481211 listed anywhere as an official ACSC contact, which prompted further suspicion. The caller hung up twice during the interaction, likely when realising they were being questioned or that their impersonation was failing.
Why This Matters
Impersonation of government cybersecurity agencies is a serious red flag. The ACSC does not make unsolicited calls to members of the public, and legitimate government agencies will always be able to provide verifiable contact details and pass basic verification checks. A caller claiming to be from the ACSC but unable to confirm basic facts like the current time in Sydney is almost certainly fraudulent.
The fact that the caller from 02 7248 1211 hung up when questioned suggests they were aware their impersonation was failing. Legitimate callers would either provide verification or transfer the call to someone who could.
What to Do If You Receive a Call from 02 7248 1211
If 02 7248 1211 calls you:
- Do not: Provide personal information, banking details, passwords, or security credentials to the caller
- Do not: Follow links or download software the caller suggests
- Do: Hang up immediately if the caller cannot verify their identity with specific, checkable details
- Do: Independently verify by looking up official contact details on the real ACSC website (cyber.gov.au)
- Do: Block the number 0272481211 if they call again
- Do: Report the call to the ACMA and Scamwatch
How to Report 02 7248 1211
If you receive a suspicious call from 02 7248 1211 or 0272481211 claiming to be from government agencies, report it through these Australian resources:
- Scamwatch: scamwatch.gov.au - the official Australian consumer protection website
- ACMA (Australian Communications and Media Authority): acma.gov.au - regulates telecommunications and can investigate fraudulent numbers
- Cyber.gov.au: The official Australian Cyber Security Centre website, where you can verify if a call claiming to be from them is legitimate
- Reverseau: Report your experience on this site to help other Australians identify this number
When reporting, include the time of the call, what the caller claimed, and any details they mentioned knowing about you. This information helps authorities trace the source of fraudulent calls.
Help others by sharing your experience with (02) 7248 1211!
WRITE A REVIEWRatings Distribution
What Our Users Reviewed
Caller claimed to be Australian Cyber Security Centre, called me by name but couldn't tell me time in Sydney. couldn't find their number listed anywhere. hung up twice
Help others by sharing your experience with (02) 7248 1211!
WRITE A REVIEWFrequently Asked Questions
Does the Australian Cyber Security Centre call people directly about cyber threats?
No. The ACSC does not make unsolicited calls to members of the public. If you receive a call from 02 7248 1211 or 0272481211 claiming to be from the ACSC, it is almost certainly fraudulent. You can verify this by visiting the official ACSC website at cyber.gov.au, which clearly states they do not initiate contact with the public.
Why did the caller from 0272481211 hang up when asked a simple question?
The contributor asked the caller to verify the time in Sydney, a simple fact-check that legitimate ACSC staff would easily answer. When the caller from 02 7248 1211 could not answer this basic question, they hung up rather than admit they were impersonating a government agency. This is typical behaviour from scammers when their cover is blown.
How do scammers get your name if they call from 02 7248 1211?
Scammers often use publicly available information (social media profiles, business directories, data breaches) to research targets before calling. When a caller from 0272481211 opens with your name, it creates false credibility. Never assume a caller is legitimate just because they know your name.
Is 02 7248 1211 a real NSW government number?
The number 02 7248 1211 is registered as a local NSW service through Symbio Networks, a legitimate internet and telecommunications provider. However, the allocation of the number to Symbio Networks does not mean the number is being used legitimately. Scammers can obtain or spoof phone numbers. This specific number has been flagged for ACSC impersonation.
What should I do if 0272481211 calls me in the future?
Hang up immediately. Do not answer questions, provide personal details, or engage with the caller. If they claim to be from a government agency, independently verify by looking up the official contact details on the agency's website (for ACSC, visit cyber.gov.au). Block 02 7248 1211 on your phone and report the call to Scamwatch and ACMA.
How can I verify if a caller really represents the ACSC?
Legitimate government agencies will provide you with specific, verifiable information and contact details you can independently check. Visit cyber.gov.au and look for published contact information. The ACSC's official contact channels will not ask for passwords, banking details, or remote access to your computer during an initial unsolicited call. If a caller from 02 7248 1211 cannot provide verifiable details or pass basic fact-checks, they are not legitimate.