- Scam
Community report for 02 8190 1203 (0281901203): Automated robocall impersonating immigration bureau with Mandarin language option.
Immigration Impersonation Robocall Reports for 02 8190 1203
One contributor has reported receiving an automated call from 02 8190 1203 (also written as 0281901203) in which a recorded voice claimed to represent the immigration bureau. The call included a Mandarin language option, suggesting the scam targets multilingual Australians, particularly those from non-English speaking backgrounds who may be less familiar with Australian government communication protocols.
The use of an automated robocall combined with impersonation of a government agency is a recognised scam pattern. The recorded message format and language targeting indicate this campaign may be part of a broader scam operation designed to exploit fears about visa status, immigration compliance, or citizenship documentation.
What the Automated Message from 02 8190 1203 Offered
The contributor reported that the robocall from 0281901203 presented itself as official communication from the immigration bureau. Automated recorded messages of this type typically claim urgent action is required regarding visa status, outstanding fees, document submission, or immigration compliance issues. The inclusion of a Mandarin option suggests callers are specifically targeting Australians who may be visa holders, recent arrivals, or international students.
Call Patterns and Characteristics
The report of 02 8190 1203 was logged as an answered call, meaning the contributor engaged with the recorded message. Robocalls impersonating government agencies like this are often deployed in high-volume campaigns, though Reverseau currently has one confirmed report. The NSW allocation indicates this number is assigned to a local service through Symbio Networks.
What to Do If You Receive a Call from 02 8190 1203
If 02 8190 1203 calls you:
- Do not: Stay on the line to listen to the full message, press any numbers to continue, or provide any personal information
- Do: Hang up immediately if you hear a recorded message claiming to be from immigration or any government agency
- Do: Contact the Department of Home Affairs directly using the phone number on their official website to verify any claims about your visa or immigration status
- Do: Block 0281901203 if the call repeats
- Do: Remember that legitimate government agencies do not contact people via unsolicited automated calls demanding immediate action
How to Report 02 8190 1203
If you receive a robocall from 02 8190 1203 claiming to represent the immigration bureau or any other government agency, report it to:
- Scamwatch (scamwatch.gov.au) - the official Australian government consumer scam reporting service
- ACMA (acma.gov.au) - the Australian Communications and Media Authority, which handles complaints about unwanted calls and robocalls
- Reverseau - contribute your experience to help protect other Australians from 0281901203
When reporting, mention that the call was an automated robocall in Mandarin and English claiming to represent the Department of Home Affairs.
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What Our Users Reviewed
Automated voice claiming to be the immigration bureau with a Mandarin option
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WRITE A REVIEWFrequently Asked Questions
Is 02 8190 1203 a real government number?
No. 02 8190 1203 (0281901203) is assigned to a private telecommunications service provider, not to the Department of Home Affairs or any Australian government agency. Legitimate government agencies do not contact people via unsolicited automated robocalls. You can verify immigration matters by calling the official Department of Home Affairs number found on their website or visiting immi.homeaffairs.gov.au.
Why did the call from 0281901203 have a Mandarin option?
The Mandarin language option on the robocall from 02 8190 1203 suggests the scam is deliberately targeting Australians from Chinese-speaking backgrounds. Scammers often target people they believe may have visa or immigration concerns, or who may be less familiar with how Australian government agencies actually communicate. This is a common targeting tactic used in immigration-related scams.
What should I do if I already engaged with the automated message from 02 8190 1203?
If you heard the robocall from 0281901203 but did not provide any personal information, you are likely safe. If you did share details such as your name, date of birth, passport number, or visa information, contact the Department of Home Affairs directly on 131 881 or visit immi.homeaffairs.gov.au to confirm your status. You should also monitor your immigration account and consider reporting the call to Scamwatch and ACMA.
Can I report this robocall to the Do Not Call Register?
The Do Not Call Register does not handle robocalls impersonating government agencies. Instead, report 02 8190 1203 (0281901203) directly to ACMA (acma.gov.au) and Scamwatch (scamwatch.gov.au). These are the appropriate authorities for unwanted and malicious robocalls, especially those claiming to represent government bodies.
Is it safe to press any numbers when the robocall from 02 8190 1203 plays?
No. Do not press any numbers or respond to prompts when you hear the robocall from 0281901203. Pressing numbers or staying on the line may confirm to scammers that your phone number is active, leading to more calls. The safest action is to hang up immediately and block the number.
What is Symbio Networks, the service provider for 02 8190 1203?
Symbio Networks is an Australian telecommunications service provider. The fact that 0281901203 is allocated to Symbio Networks does not mean Symbio itself is conducting the scam - rather, the number has been assigned through this provider and may have been compromised, spoofed, or registered under false pretences. Report the robocall to ACMA, which can investigate the telecommunications provider and take enforcement action.