- Scam
02 7820 5853 (0278205853): Community reports describe automated scam calls with language selection prompts and Chinese language fraud messages.
Robocall Scam Reports for 02 7820 5853
Two contributors have reported scam activity from 02 7820 5853 (also written as 0278205853), a NSW local service number. Both reports describe automated fraud calls designed to target multiple language groups. One contributor received an automated message prompting language selection, while another reported a Chinese language scam call from the same number.
The pattern of robocall-recorded-message tactics suggests this number is part of an automated dialling campaign rather than live calling. This type of scam typically uses recorded prompts to identify which language group to target, then routes calls accordingly to social engineering or credential theft schemes.
What Callers from 02 7820 5853 Do
Contributors describe receiving automated prompts from 0278205853 asking them to select their language. One report noted the call was "obvious fraud," indicating the automated nature and poor quality of the recording made the scam intent immediately apparent. After language selection, at least one contributor received a Chinese language scam message, suggesting the automated system routes to different fraud scripts based on the selected language.
The use of language selection as a filtering mechanism suggests the scammers behind 02 7820 5853 are running a broad-based campaign targeting multiple ethnic communities. This approach allows them to deploy the same infrastructure while customising their fraud message to vulnerable populations in specific language groups.
Report Patterns and Timing
Both reports of 0278205853 came through answered calls, meaning contributors picked up the phone before discovering the automated scam. The reports span from mid-July to late July 2026, indicating ongoing activity from this number. The rapid succession of reports within two weeks suggests 02 7820 5853 is actively being used for this campaign rather than a one-off incident.
What to Do If You Receive a Call from 02 7820 5853
If 02 7820 5853 calls you:
- Do not: Press any numbers to select a language, respond to prompts, or stay on the line to hear the full message
- Do: Hang up immediately, block the number on your phone, and do not return any callback
- Do: Be aware that robocalls often spoofed local numbers to appear legitimate - a local NSW number does not mean the call is genuinely from NSW
Robocall scams using language selection are designed to identify which language communities to target with follow-up fraud attempts. Hanging up at the first prompt is the safest response.
How to Report 02 7820 5853
If you received a scam call from 02 7820 5853 (0278205853), report it through these Australian government channels:
- ACMA (Australian Communications and Media Authority): Report the robocall at acma.gov.au - include the date, time, and what the automated message said
- Scamwatch: Lodge a report at scamwatch.gov.au describing the language selection prompt and any fraud message you heard
- Reverseau: Add your report here to help other Australians identify this number and recognise the scam pattern
Each report helps establish the pattern and volume of 02 7820 5853 activity, which assists ACMA in taking action against the infrastructure being used.
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WRITE A REVIEWRatings Distribution
What Our Users Reviewed
Chinese language scam call.
Automated saying select your language. Obvious fraud
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WRITE A REVIEWFrequently Asked Questions
What happens if I select a language when 02 7820 5853 calls?
Selecting a language confirms to the scammers that 0278205853 reached a live person and that your phone number is active. This typically results in being routed to a fraud script in your chosen language, often involving fake claims about tax, banking, or package delivery. Hang up immediately without pressing any buttons.
Why would a scam use language selection from 02 7820 5853?
Language selection allows the scammers to efficiently target specific ethnic communities with tailored fraud messages from a single automated system. By asking callers to self-identify their language preference, they route 0278205853 calls to the most effective scam script for that demographic, increasing their success rate.
Is 02 7820 5853 actually a real NSW number?
02 7820 5853 is allocated as a local NSW service number with Symbio Networks, but scammers routinely spoof legitimate number ranges to appear credible. The fact that it is a real number allocation does not mean the actual caller is located in NSW or legitimately using that number - robocallers can disguise their true origin.
What should I do if I already responded to a prompt from 0278205853?
If you selected a language or listened to the full message from 02 7820 5853, monitor your accounts for suspicious activity, especially banking and tax-related accounts. Do not provide any information if the scammers call back. Report the call to ACMA at acma.gov.au and consider placing a fraud alert with your bank.
Can I block 02 7820 5853 permanently on my phone?
Yes, most smartphones allow you to block 0278205853 directly in your contacts or call settings. However, scammers often use different numbers from the same spoofed range, so blocking one number may not stop all calls. Report persistent calls to ACMA, which can take action against the underlying infrastructure.
Why are there only two reports for 02 7820 5853 if it's an active scam?
Many people who receive robocalls hang up immediately without reporting them. The two reports from 0278205853 represent contributors who took the step to flag the number on Reverseau, but the actual call volume may be much higher. If you received a call from 02 7820 5853, adding your report helps establish the full scope of this campaign.