- Suspicious
One contributor reported a scam call from 02 8014 1213 (0280141213) impersonating Australian Border Force with messages in English and Chinese about a package.
Australian Border Force Impersonation Reports for 02 8014 1213
A contributor has reported receiving a scam call from 02 8014 1213 (also written as 0280141213) impersonating the Australian Border Force. The call included messages in both English and Chinese, with the caller claiming to need to discuss a package. The contributor hung up immediately upon recognising the suspicious nature of the call.
This report indicates a targeted impersonation approach, specifically mimicking official Australian Border Force communications. The use of multiple languages suggests an attempt to appear authoritative and catch recipients off guard by triggering concerns about customs or parcel-related issues.
What the Caller from 02 8014 1213 Claimed
According to the contributor's report, the caller from 02 8014 1213 presented themselves as representing the Australian Border Force. The message was delivered in both English and Chinese, stating they wanted to discuss a package with the recipient. This dual-language approach is a known tactic to increase perceived legitimacy or to target speakers of particular languages who may be less familiar with how Australian official agencies operate.
The vague reference to "a package" is a classic scam approach, designed to create uncertainty and concern. Most people expect packages at some point, making this claim broad enough to affect many recipients while remaining specific enough to seem plausible.
Report Details and Timing
The report about 0280141213 was received on 10 December 2025 early morning (03:33 UTC). The call came through a local service number allocated to Symbio Networks in New South Wales. The contributor answered the call, heard the impersonation attempt, and promptly disconnected.
What to Do If You Receive a Call from 02 8014 1213
If 02 8014 1213 calls you, follow these steps:
- Do not: Engage with the caller, provide personal details, confirm your name or address, or follow any instructions
- Do: Hang up immediately, do not return the call, and block the number on your phone
- Verify independently: If you're genuinely concerned about a package, contact the Australian Border Force directly using the official phone number from their website (not any number the caller provided)
- Do not: Click any links or download anything if contact is made via SMS or email from this number
How to Report 02 8014 1213
If you've received a call from 02 8014 1213 or similar impersonation attempts, report it to Australian authorities:
- Report to the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) at acma.gov.au/complaints - ACMA investigates unlawful telemarketing and scam calls
- Report to Scamwatch at scamwatch.gov.au - the official Australian government scam reporting service
- Report to ReportCyber at cyber.gov.au if the scam involves cybercrime elements
- Contribute your experience to Reverseau to help other Australians identify this number
Help others by sharing your experience with (02) 8014 1213!
WRITE A REVIEWRatings Distribution
What Our Users Reviewed
Alleged Australian Border Force message in English, then Chinese advising that they want to talk about a package.
Hung up.
Help others by sharing your experience with (02) 8014 1213!
WRITE A REVIEWFrequently Asked Questions
Is 02 8014 1213 a real Australian Border Force number?
No. The Australian Border Force does not contact people by phone about packages in this manner. If you need to contact ABF or verify a message, use the official phone number from the Australian Border Force website (abf.gov.au), not any number provided by an unsolicited caller. The report about 02 8014 1213 describes a fraudulent impersonation.
Why would a scammer use both English and Chinese in the call from 0280141213?
Using multiple languages increases the perceived legitimacy of the call and may target specific communities who could be less familiar with how Australian government agencies actually operate. The contributor who received the 0280141213 call reported both languages were used, likely to broaden the appeal and catch more people off guard.
What should I do if I gave personal information to someone claiming to be from Australian Border Force on 02 8014 1213?
Contact your bank and relevant financial institutions immediately if you disclosed banking details. Change passwords for email and online accounts if those credentials were shared. Monitor your credit file through Equifax or other credit reporting agencies. Report the incident to Scamwatch (scamwatch.gov.au) and ACMA (acma.gov.au). Consider placing a fraud alert on your personal information.
Can I block 02 8014 1213 on my phone?
Yes. Most Australian phones allow you to block numbers directly in your contacts or call settings. Add 02 8014 1213 to your blocked list so future calls from 0280141213 go straight to voicemail. You can also report it to your phone provider (in this case, Symbio Networks) and request they flag the number for abuse.
Is there really a package held at customs if someone from 02 8014 1213 says so?
Very unlikely. If you're expecting a package from overseas, the legitimate Australian Border Force or Australia Post will contact you through official channels with proper documentation. Never trust package claims from unsolicited callers like 02 8014 1213. If concerned, contact Australia Post or ABF directly using numbers from their official websites.
Should I call back 0280141213 to verify if it's real?
No. Do not call back 0280141213 or any unknown number that calls you claiming to be from a government agency. Scammers rely on people calling them back. If you need to verify contact with the Australian Border Force, look up their official contact number independently on abf.gov.au and call that number instead.