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02 8020 1291 (0280201291) linked to callback scam tactics impersonating Lifeline. Contributors report silent calls followed by fake Lifeline voicemail prompts when called back.
Callback Lure Reports for 02 8020 1291
Multiple contributors have flagged 02 8020 1291 (also written as 0280201291) for a deceptive callback scam pattern. The tactic involves silent or brief calls followed by a fake Lifeline voicemail message when the recipient calls back. Two recent reports from today and yesterday describe identical experiences: the caller from 02 8020 1291 answers briefly, remains silent, then hangs up. When the recipient calls back, they hear a recorded message saying "Thank you for calling Lifeline, all our lines are busy" or prompting them to enter their number for a callback.
This is a clear callback lure scam. Legitimate Lifeline (1300 659 467) does not initiate unsolicited calls, nor would they hang up on someone calling them. The use of Lifeline's name and voicemail system is a spoofing tactic designed to appear credible and encourage the recipient to provide personal information or remain on the line for a follow-up contact.
What Callers from 02 8020 1291 Do
The pattern reported by contributors calling 0280201291 is highly consistent across multiple incidents. Callers use one of two approaches: either remaining completely silent for a few seconds before disconnecting, or saying nothing and clicking off immediately. The silence creates confusion and prompts the recipient to call back, which is the scam's goal.
Upon callback, contributors reaching 02 8020 1291 encounter a recorded message impersonating Lifeline. One contributor noted the message said "Thank you for calling Lifeline, all our lines are busy," while another reported being asked to enter their number so Lifeline would call them back. This second tactic is particularly dangerous because it tricks people into leaving their contact details, which can then be used for further scams or sold to other fraudsters.
One contributor who initially called back reported the number rang a couple of times before going to the fake Lifeline voicemail, suggesting the scammers monitor callbacks and let some go to the pre-recorded message to appear more realistic. The Optus Networks allocation for 02 8020 1291 suggests the number may have been spoofed or compromised.
Call Patterns and Contributor Experiences
Contributors report two distinct call patterns from 02 8020 1291. The first involves single or double silent calls in quick succession, with no voicemail left. The second pattern shows repeated calling over several days or weeks, with calls sometimes arriving in rapid pairs. One contributor mentioned receiving two calls from 0280201291 in two days despite blocking the number after the first call.
A contributor who was expecting a call from a Sydney landline mistakenly answered 02 8020 1291 thinking it was the expected contact. After the silent disconnect and callback experience, they correctly identified it as "scam bait." Another contributor reported excessive repeated calls and marked the number as suspicious specifically because of its link to scam activity. The pattern of escalating frequency and persistence suggests automated dialling targeting multiple numbers simultaneously.
What to Do If You Receive a Call from 02 8020 1291
If 02 8020 1291 calls you:
- Do not: Call the number back. Returning the call triggers the callback lure mechanism and may expose you to phishing attempts or further scam contact
- Do not: Provide any personal information, phone number, or name to any voicemail or prompt from this number
- Do: Let the call go to voicemail immediately
- Do: Block 02 8020 1291 on your phone right away to prevent repeated calls
- Do: Hang up if you accidentally answer and hear silence or a pause
- Do: Verify any legitimate service directly by calling their official published number, not any number you're directed to by an incoming call
How to Report 02 8020 1291
Contributors who have received calls from 02 8020 1291 (0280201291) should report this number to Australian authorities and services:
- Report to Scamwatch at scamwatch.gov.au with details of the call timing, what was said, and the callback message you received
- Report to the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) at acma.gov.au - this number may be spoofed and needs to be flagged for investigation
- Register the number on the Australian Do Not Call Register at donotcall.gov.au, though this won't stop scammers
- Report the Lifeline impersonation to Services Australia at servicesaustralia.gov.au if you believe Lifeline's identity is being misused
- Share your experience on Reverseau to help other contributors recognise and avoid this scam
If you've lost money or provided personal information after contacting 02 8020 1291, also report it to ReportCyber at cyber.gov.au and consider contacting your bank immediately.
Help others by sharing your experience with (02) 8020 1291!
WRITE A REVIEWRatings Distribution
What Our Users Reviewed
Answered. Had silence for a few seconds, so I said hello again. The caller hung up. Called back and got a recorded message saying I had called Lifeline?
Why would Lifeline call me? And even if it WAS legitimate “Lifeline” why would they hang up on someone????
I am expecting a call from a Sydney landline number.
I assumed this was it, so I answered it after 2 rings.
When I said “hello” there was a pause, then a click, I said “hello” again, and the person hung up on me.
As I said I was expecting a call, I called back and received a recording saying “thank you for calling Lifeline, all our lines are busy”
Now tell me… why would “Lifeline” call someone (they were not who I was expecting a call from) and hang up?
I mean Lifeline, of all services would NOT hang up on someone!
SCAM BAIT!
Called back and it turned out to be Lifeline
Getting excessive calls from this number, want them to stop
Keeps calling despite being blocked, called twice in two days
Two calls in a row, both rang very briefly then disconnected
Called twice in quick succession, no message, checked and it's linked to scam calls
Keep getting calls, never leave message, they seem suspicious so won't answer
missed call, when I called back it rang a couple times then went to Lifeline voicemail asking to enter number and they'd call back
3 missed calls, phone didn't ring, no message left
unsolicited call for marketing or fundraising, called back and got Lifeline recording saying they'd call again
Two calls same day, no message left
I received two calls from this number and didn't answer. The number claims to be provided by Optus. I blocked this number after the first call and reported it as scam or fraud. If you receive a call from this number, block it immediately and report it to Scamwatch.
Help others by sharing your experience with (02) 8020 1291!
WRITE A REVIEWFrequently Asked Questions
Why would someone hang up when I answer a call from 02 8020 1291?
This is a callback lure tactic. Scammers using 02 8020 1291 (0280201291) intentionally hang up or remain silent to prompt you to call back. The silence creates curiosity or concern, making you more likely to return the call. When you do, you reach a fake Lifeline voicemail designed to extract your phone number or personal details. It's a manipulation technique to get you to initiate contact rather than the scammer calling you directly.
Is 02 8020 1291 actually Lifeline?
No. One contributor called back 0280201291 and confirmed it plays a fake Lifeline recording, but Lifeline does not make unsolicited calls and would never hang up on someone. Lifeline's genuine number is 1300 659 467. The scammers impersonating Lifeline on 02 8020 1291 are spoofing the charity's name and voicemail system to appear credible. Do not provide any information to voicemail prompts from this number.
What should I do if I've already called back 02 8020 1291 and left my number?
Contact your bank immediately if you provided financial information. Report the incident to Scamwatch (scamwatch.gov.au) and ACMA (acma.gov.au) with the date and time you called back 0280201291. Block the number on your phone. Watch for follow-up calls or suspicious activity on your accounts. If scammers contact you again claiming to be from Lifeline or any other service, hang up and call the organisation's official published number to verify.
Why does 02 8020 1291 keep calling me even after I block it?
Multiple contributors have reported that 0280201291 continues calling despite being blocked, sometimes twice in two days or in quick pairs. Scammers using callback lure tactics often rotate through multiple spoofed numbers or cycle through calling patterns to bypass blocking. Each blockage may simply cause them to move to another spoofed number. Report the repeated calls to ACMA (acma.gov.au) and consider reporting to your phone provider (Optus in this case) as the number is allocated to Optus Networks.
Is 02 8020 1291 a legitimate Optus customer service number?
No. While 02 8020 1291 is allocated to Optus Networks Pty Limited in NSW, this does not mean it's legitimate Optus customer service. Scammers commonly spoof or compromise legitimate phone number ranges to appear credible. One contributor specifically noted the number claims to be provided by Optus but is linked to scam activity. Never assume a number is legitimate based on its allocation. If you need to contact Optus, find their official number on your bill or their website, do not call back unsolicited numbers.
What's the difference between a silent call and a callback lure from 0280201291?
Silent calls from 02 8020 1291 are the first part of the callback lure scam. The silent call itself (where the caller hangs up or remains mute) is designed to make you curious enough to call back. Contributors report both single silent calls and multiple calls in quick succession from this number. The callback lure is the second part - when you call back 0280201291, the fake Lifeline message attempts to capture your details. Together, they form one scam operation designed to manipulate you into providing information.