- Suspicious
Community report for 02 8011 1738 (0280111738): Caller impersonated immigration official discussing visa matters. Single report indicates potential identity fraud.
Immigration Impersonation Report for 02 8011 1738
One contributor has reported receiving a call from 02 8011 1738 (also written as 0280111738) where the caller impersonated an immigration official. The caller contacted the contributor regarding visa-related matters, a common tactic used to establish false legitimacy and build trust before requesting personal information or payment.
This type of impersonation targets visa holders and people navigating Australian immigration processes, exploiting their concerns about visa status or compliance issues. The use of 02 8011 1738 in this manner represents a scam attempt designed to extract sensitive personal or financial information from vulnerable callers.
What the Caller from 02 8011 1738 Claimed
According to the contributor's report, the caller from 02 8011 1738 pretended to represent immigration authorities and raised questions about visa-related matters. This approach exploits familiarity with government processes and creates urgency around visa status, which can pressure recipients into disclosing details or making hasty decisions.
Immigration impersonation scams frequently target people who are unfamiliar with Australian government procedures or who have recently applied for or renewed visas. By calling from 0280111738, the scammer gains a local NSW number that may appear more credible to recipients.
What to Do If You Receive a Call from 02 8011 1738
If 02 8011 1738 calls you about visa or immigration matters, follow these steps:
- Do not: Provide personal information, passport details, visa numbers, or financial information during the call
- Do not: Agree to transfer funds or provide banking details
- Do not: Follow links sent via SMS or email during the call
- Do: Hang up immediately and contact the Department of Home Affairs directly using the official contact number from their website
- Do: Verify any immigration matter through your online account or by calling the official Department of Home Affairs hotline
- Do: Block 02 8011 1738 if the call repeats
How to Report 02 8011 1738
If you receive a call from 02 8011 1738 attempting to impersonate immigration officials, report it through these official channels:
- Report to the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) at acma.gov.au for telephone scams and misuse of phone numbers
- Report to Scamwatch at scamwatch.gov.au with details of the call, including what the caller claimed
- If you provided personal information, contact the Department of Home Affairs directly to report the impersonation and check your visa status
- Report the scam attempt on Reverseau to help other Australians identify 0280111738
Immigration Impersonation Red Flags
Be alert to these warning signs if someone calls about your visa:
- Requesting immediate payment or urgent action regarding visa status
- Threatening visa cancellation or deportation without formal notice from official channels
- Asking for banking details, passport information, or personal identification numbers over the phone
- Offering visa services or guarantees outside official government processes
- Refusing to provide a direct phone number or office location
- Pressuring you to keep the conversation confidential
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What Our Users Reviewed
pretended to be from immigration, called me about visa stuff
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WRITE A REVIEWFrequently Asked Questions
Is 02 8011 1738 a real government number?
No. One community report indicates 02 8011 1738 (0280111738) was used by a scammer impersonating an immigration official. The Department of Home Affairs does not initiate contact about visa issues via unsolicited calls. Any official visa matters are handled through your online account or by contacting the Department directly using verified contact information from their official website.
What should I do if I answered and provided information to 02 8011 1738?
Contact the Department of Home Affairs immediately to report the impersonation and verify your visa status. If you provided banking details, contact your bank directly to check for unauthorised activity. Monitor your identity closely by checking your credit report and setting up fraud alerts. Report the call from 02 8011 1738 to ACMA (acma.gov.au) and Scamwatch (scamwatch.gov.au).
How do I verify a genuine call about my immigration status?
Never provide information during an unsolicited call. Instead, hang up and contact the Department of Home Affairs using the official phone number on their website (not a number the caller provided). Log into your ImmiAccount online to check if there are any genuine immigration matters requiring your attention. Legitimate government agencies do not ask for sensitive personal details during unsolicited calls.
Can I block 02 8011 1738 on my phone?
Yes. After receiving a scam call from 02 8011 1738 (0280111738), you can block the number through your phone's built-in call blocking feature. This prevents further calls from 02 8011 1738. However, scammers often use different numbers, so blocking this single number may not prevent future impersonation attempts from other numbers.
Why would a scammer use a local NSW number like 02 8011 1738?
Scammers use local numbers because people are more likely to answer calls appearing to come from their own state. The number 02 8011 1738 was registered to a NSW provider, making it appear legitimate and increasing the likelihood that recipients will answer. This tactic is part of a broader impersonation strategy to gain trust before requesting sensitive information.
Should I report this to anyone other than Reverseau?
Yes. Report the scam call from 02 8011 1738 to ACMA (acma.gov.au), Scamwatch (scamwatch.gov.au), and the Department of Home Affairs. If you provided banking details, also contact your bank immediately. Reporting helps Australian authorities track scammers and protect other visa holders from similar calls to 0280111738.