- Suspicious
- Scam
- Uncertain
02 7820 5850 (0278205850): Contributors report robocall impersonating Australian Immigration Bureau with language selection prompts. Suspicious recorded message calls.
Immigration Bureau Impersonation Reports for 02 7820 5850
Contributors have flagged calls from 02 7820 5850 (also written as 0278205850) for impersonating the Australian Immigration Bureau. One contributor who answered the call reported receiving a recorded message asking callers to press 1 for English or 2 for Chinese - a common tactic used in automated impersonation scams targeting vulnerable groups.
The robocall format, combined with the government agency impersonation, is a recognised scam pattern. Callers using 0278205850 are not contacting from legitimate immigration authorities, which do not initiate unsolicited calls requesting language selections or personal verification through automated systems.
What Callers from 02 7820 5850 Say
The contributor who picked up the call from 02 7820 5850 heard a recorded message identifying the caller as being from the Australian Immigration Bureau. The message presented a language option - pressing 1 for English or 2 for Chinese. This type of initial prompt is designed to filter calls and route them based on language preference, a hallmark of large-scale robocall operations targeting multiple demographic groups.
No further details about what the call would say after the language selection were reported, as the contributor did not complete the interaction. However, based on similar immigration impersonation scams, follow-up messages typically claim visa issues, citizenship verification requirements, or outstanding immigration fees requiring immediate payment.
Report Patterns and Call Characteristics
One of the two reports about 02 7820 5850 came from a call that was actually answered, confirming the robocall is actively connecting to recipients. The second report involved a missed call that bypassed call screening, suggesting the number may be using spoofing techniques or randomised calling patterns to evade detection.
The number is allocated as a local service through Symbio Networks in NSW. Both reports arrived within a 24-hour period (14-15 July 2026), though this limited sample does not yet indicate broader calling frequency. The combination of government impersonation, automated recording, and successful call connection suggests this number warrants caution.
What to Do If You Receive a Call from 02 7820 5850
If 0278205850 calls you:
- Do not: Press any number or respond to the language selection prompt, provide any personal information, return the call, or confirm your details
- Do: Hang up immediately, block the number on your phone, trust your call screening if it flags the call as suspicious
- Verify independently: If you have genuine immigration matters pending, contact the Department of Home Affairs directly using the official phone number from their website (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au) rather than returning any call
- Report the pattern: The automated nature and government impersonation make this a priority for reporting to authorities
How to Report 02 7820 5850
If you receive calls from 02 7820 5850, report the number through the following official channels:
- Scamwatch: Report the impersonation attempt at scamwatch.gov.au
- ACMA: Lodge a complaint with the Australian Communications and Media Authority at acma.gov.au, particularly noting the robocall/recorded message element
- ReportCyber: If you experienced any follow-up fraud attempt or data request, report to ReportCyber at cyber.gov.au
- Reverseau community: Add your experience with 0278205850 to help other Australians identify this number
Help others by sharing your experience with (02) 7820 5850!
WRITE A REVIEWRatings Distribution
What Our Users Reviewed
Claiming to be from the Australian Immigration Bureau - press 1 for english and 2 for chinese.
Picked up and bloke said he was from a telco, hung up straight away since I'm not with them
Didn't show up on my call screening so probably scam or sales
Help others by sharing your experience with (02) 7820 5850!
WRITE A REVIEWFrequently Asked Questions
Is 02 7820 5850 really calling from the Australian Immigration Bureau?
No. The Australian Immigration Bureau (Department of Home Affairs) does not initiate unsolicited calls asking callers to press a number for language selection. A contributor who answered 02 7820 5850 (0278205850) received this exact recorded message, which is a scam tactic. Real immigration matters are handled through official channels - you would initiate contact with them, not the reverse. If you have immigration queries, contact immi.homeaffairs.gov.au directly.
Why does the call from 0278205850 ask me to press 1 or 2?
The language selection prompt from 02 7820 5850 serves two purposes in this scam: it confirms your number is active and answers calls (making it a target for further scams), and it routes your call based on language, allowing the scammers to target you with messages in your preferred language. Do not press anything - hang up immediately.
What happens if I press 1 or 2 on the call from 02 7820 5850?
If you press a number on the 0278205850 call, you will likely be connected to a scammer posing as immigration staff who will claim you have visa or citizenship issues and demand payment or personal information. The contributor who answered 02 7820 5850 did not progress beyond the initial recording, so the exact follow-up script is not yet documented, but immigration impersonation scams typically involve fake debt claims.
How did 02 7820 5850 bypass my call screening?
One contributor reported 02 7820 5850 showed as a missed call despite call screening being active, suggesting the number may be using spoofing or caller ID manipulation. Some robocall systems vary the displayed number slightly with each call, or use NSW local number formats (like this 02 prefix) to appear legitimate and bypass filters that flag international or obvious spam patterns.
Should I return the call to 0278205850 to verify?
No. Do not return any call to 02 7820 5850 or 0278205850. Returning the call confirms your number is active and answers, which makes you more attractive to scammers for future targeting. If you believe you have a legitimate immigration matter, initiate contact directly with the Department of Home Affairs using the official number from immi.homeaffairs.gov.au, not by returning any unsolicited call.
Where should I report calls from 02 7820 5850?
Report 0278205850 through scamwatch.gov.au for the impersonation attempt and acma.gov.au to lodge a formal complaint about the robocall. If any personal data was compromised, also report to ReportCyber at cyber.gov.au. Reporting helps authorities track patterns and protect other Australians from 02 7820 5850.