- Scam
02 8124 8320 (0281248320): One report of automated impersonation call in Chinese and English targeting overseas students with requests to press 1 or 2.
Impersonation Robocall Reports for 02 8124 8320
A contributor has reported receiving an automated call from 02 8124 8320 (also written as 0281248320) using impersonation tactics. The call initially delivered a recorded message in Chinese, then switched to English, claiming to be about overseas student visa or immigration compliance. The caller offered the recipient the option to press 1 or 2, a technique commonly used in robocall scams to identify active numbers and route to live operators.
The fact that 0281248320 uses multilingual messaging suggests the caller may be targeting international students or recent migrants who might be less familiar with Australian government communication practices. This number is allocated to a local service provider in NSW, making the impersonation more convincing to recipients unfamiliar with legitimate contact methods.
What the Robocall from 02 8124 8320 Presented
The contributor described receiving an automated message claiming to relate to overseas student registration or visa details. The script mentioned not updating required information, a common social engineering angle designed to create urgency and concern. The dual-language approach (Chinese first, then English) is a red flag for mass-targeted robocall campaigns rather than legitimate government outreach, which would typically contact individuals in their stated preferred language without switching mid-call.
The offer to press 1 or 2 serves multiple purposes in a robocall scam: it confirms the number reaches a real person, routes to a live operator for further targeting, and creates a false sense of legitimacy. Contributors who interact with these prompts may receive follow-up calls or be added to scam calling lists.
Report Details and Channel
The report about 02 8124 8320 came from a contributor who answered the call, allowing them to hear the full impersonation attempt. Single incoming calls from 0281248320 pose the initial risk, though robocall infrastructure often cycles through numbers rapidly, meaning future calls from this number or similar numbers may continue. The NSW allocation to Symbio Networks suggests the underlying service infrastructure, though this does not indicate the actual caller's location or identity.
What to Do If You Receive a Call from 02 8124 8320
If 02 8124 8320 calls you:
- Do not: Press any buttons when prompted, return the call, or provide personal information such as visa status, passport details, or student ID numbers
- Do: Hang up immediately, block the number in your phone settings, and do not engage with any menu options
- Verify independently: If the call claims to relate to your visa or student status, contact the relevant government agency directly using contact details from their official website, not numbers provided by the caller
- Report the number: Document the time and content of the call for your records
How to Report 02 8124 8320
If you receive a robocall from 02 8124 8320 or 0281248320, report it to relevant Australian authorities:
- ACMA (Australian Communications and Media Authority): Report unwanted calls and robocalls at acma.gov.au
- Scamwatch: Report the call and impersonation attempt at scamwatch.gov.au
- Do Not Call Register: Register your number at donotcall.gov.au to reduce unwanted telemarketing calls
- Services Australia: If the call falsely claimed to represent immigration or student visa matters, report to servicesaustralia.gov.au
- Reverseau: Share your experience with other Australians by reporting this number on Reverseau, helping contributors identify and avoid similar robocalls
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What Our Users Reviewed
Call about overseas students not updating details, spiel in Chinese then English, offered to press 1 or 2
Help others by sharing your experience with (02) 8124 8320!
WRITE A REVIEWFrequently Asked Questions
Why did the call from 02 8124 8320 switch between Chinese and English?
The use of multiple languages in a single robocall is a targeting tactic rather than legitimate government communication. Real agencies contact individuals in their preferred language consistently. The language switch in calls from 0281248320 appears designed to reach a broad audience of international students and migrants who might respond to either language.
What happens if I press 1 or 2 during the robocall from 02 8124 8320?
Pressing buttons during a robocall from 02 8124 8320 (0281248320) confirms your number is active and monitored by a person, which typically results in more robocalls to that number. It may also route you to a live scammer who will attempt to collect personal information, visa details, or banking information by claiming urgency or legal consequences.
Is 0281248320 actually from the government agency mentioned in the call?
No. While 02 8124 8320 is allocated to a legitimate NSW service provider (Symbio Networks), scammers use spoofed or hijacked phone lines to impersonate government agencies. Legitimate Australian government agencies do not use robocalls offering menu prompts to verify visa or student status. Always verify by calling the official government agency directly using the number on their website.
Should I be concerned about my visa or student status if I received this robocall?
No, receiving a call from 02 8124 8320 does not indicate any actual problem with your visa or status. This is a scam tactic designed to create panic and prompt you to share personal information or payment details. If you have genuine concerns about your visa, contact the Department of Home Affairs through their official website or services.australia.gov.au, not by returning a call from 0281248320.
How can I block calls from 02 8124 8320 on my phone?
Most Australian mobile phones allow you to block numbers directly. Save 02 8124 8320 (or 0281248320) to your contacts, then mark it as 'blocked' or 'reject calls' in your phone settings. For iPhone, use the block feature in Contacts; for Android, use the block feature in your Phone app. Additionally, register your number with the Do Not Call Register at donotcall.gov.au to reduce unwanted calls.
What should I do if the robocall from 0281248320 asked me to confirm personal information?
If you already engaged with the call from 02 8124 8320 and provided any details, monitor your accounts for suspicious activity. If you shared visa, passport, or banking information, consider contacting your bank and reviewing your credit file through agencies like Equifax or Experian. Report the incident to Scamwatch at scamwatch.gov.au and ACMA at acma.gov.au so authorities can track this robocall operation.