- Scam
One contributor reports suspicious SMS in Chinese from 02 7248 2817 (0272482817) followed by silent call from different number. Local NSW service.
Suspicious Activity Reported for 02 7248 2817
A contributor has flagged 02 7248 2817 (also written as 0272482817) for suspicious behaviour involving an unsolicited SMS message and a follow-up call. The initial contact came via text in Chinese asking about availability, followed shortly after by a call from a different number with no message left.
The sequence of events - SMS inquiry followed by a silent call - suggests coordinated contact rather than random dialling. The use of a different number for the follow-up call may indicate an attempt to evade blocking or number-specific scrutiny.
What Happened According to the Report
The contributor received an SMS in Chinese asking what time they would be free the next day. This was followed by a call from an alternate number where the caller left no voicemail or message. The pattern suggests the initial SMS was testing for a response or availability before a subsequent call attempt.
The 02 area code indicates a New South Wales local service provided by Symbio Networks. The use of multiple contact numbers in quick succession is a known pattern in social engineering or scam precursor activity, where callers test responses before main contact attempts.
Why This Matters
Unsolicited contact in any language asking about your availability or timing is a red flag. Legitimate organisations typically identify themselves in initial contact and explain their purpose. The combination of SMS inquiry plus silent call from 02 7248 2817 suggests the contact was not from an expected source.
The follow-up call from a different number is particularly concerning as it may indicate:
- An attempt to bypass number-specific blocks or Do Not Call Register entries
- Coordination between multiple contact points, suggesting organised activity rather than accidental contact
- Testing your responsiveness before escalating contact attempts
What to Do If You Receive Contact from 02 7248 2817
If you receive an SMS or call from 02 7248 2817:
- Do not: Reply to the message, return the call, or provide any personal information
- Do not: Click any links in the SMS or engage with follow-up contact
- Do: Block the number and any related numbers immediately in your phone settings
- Do: Mark the SMS as spam or junk in your messaging app
- Do: If you receive repeat calls from different numbers, report them to ACMA
How to Report 02 7248 2817
If you've experienced similar contact from 02 7248 2817 or related numbers:
- Report unsolicited SMS to your mobile provider as spam
- Report repeated calls to ACMA (Australian Communications and Media Authority) at acma.gov.au
- Forward SMS evidence to 0429 999 888 (ACMA spam reporting)
- If you believe this is part of a larger scam, report details to Scamwatch at scamwatch.gov.au
- Consider registering your number with the Do Not Call Register at donotcall.gov.au if you haven't already
- Share your experience on Reverseau to help other Australians identify suspicious numbers
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Got a text in Chinese asking what time I'm free tomorrow, then got a call from a different number with no message
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WRITE A REVIEWFrequently Asked Questions
What does it mean if I get an SMS in Chinese asking about my availability?
Unsolicited messages asking about your availability or timing are typically part of scam reconnaissance. The contributor who reported 02 7248 2817 received exactly this pattern - a Chinese SMS asking about free time, followed by a silent call from a different number. Legitimate organisations identify themselves upfront and explain their purpose. Do not respond to such messages, and block the number.
Why would someone call from a different number after sending an SMS?
Using multiple numbers in sequence is a known evasion tactic. The report about 02 7248 2817 shows this pattern: SMS from one contact followed by a call from another number with no message. This approach may be used to bypass blocks, avoid Do Not Call Register detection, or test your responsiveness before committing to repeated contact from a single number.
Is a silent call from 02 7248 2817 definitely suspicious?
In isolation, one silent call could be accidental. However, when paired with prior unsolicited contact like the SMS the contributor received before the 02 7248 2817 call, it suggests coordinated activity. The combination of foreign language SMS plus follow-up silent call indicates this was deliberate contact, not a wrong number.
Should I reply to the SMS from 02 7248 2817 to ask who it is?
No. Do not reply to unsolicited SMS from 02 7248 2817 or any unknown number. Responding confirms your number is active and monitored, which may encourage further contact. Blocking and reporting the number is the appropriate response, as the contributor who received the initial Chinese SMS wisely chose to report it rather than engage.
What should I do if I get calls from multiple different numbers in quick succession?
This pattern mirrors what the contributor experienced with 02 7248 2817 and the follow-up call - multiple contact attempts from different numbers suggest organised activity. Block all numbers, report the pattern to ACMA at acma.gov.au with dates and times, and consider whether your number may have been compromised in a data breach. Forward SMS to 0429 999 888.
Could the SMS from 02 7248 2817 be a legitimate business?
Legitimate businesses contact customers with clear identification and purpose. They do not send vague SMS in foreign languages asking about availability before identifying themselves. The contributor's experience - Chinese SMS asking about free time followed by a silent call - contains none of the transparency markers of legitimate contact. Treat it as suspicious and block accordingly.