- Scam
02 8190 1691 (0281901691): Contributors report police impersonation calls claiming federal investigation and fraudulent crypto charges. Recorded messages and threats detected.
Police Impersonation Reports for 02 8190 1691
Two contributors have reported scam calls from 02 8190 1691 (also written as 0281901691) involving aggressive impersonation tactics. The reports indicate callers falsely claiming to represent law enforcement and using recorded messages to create a sense of official authority.
The pattern suggests coordinated impersonation attempts designed to pressure victims into immediate action. One contributor received a recorded message from 02 8190 1691 claiming to connect to federal police, while another was told their credit card had been used for cryptocurrency purchases. Both tactics rely on fabricated claims of criminal activity to intimidate recipients.
What Callers from 02 8190 1691 Claim
Contributors report receiving a recorded message from 0281901691 stating "press one and you'll reach a federal cop." This automated message is designed to appear official and encourage the recipient to engage further with the scammer.
A separate report about 02 8190 1691 describes callers claiming that the recipient's credit card was fraudulently used to purchase cryptocurrency. This type of claim is commonly used to create urgency and fear, prompting victims to provide payment details or personal information to "resolve" the false charge.
The use of recorded messages combined with fake law enforcement references suggests a deliberate strategy to bypass natural suspicion. When recipients hear an automated message mentioning federal police, they may be more likely to engage than if speaking directly to a live caller.
Report Patterns and Timing
Both reports for 02 8190 1691 were received on 17 April 2026, suggesting possible call campaigns targeting multiple people in a short timeframe. The calls came through during different times - one answered during the evening and another early morning - indicating this number may be used for round-the-clock scam attempts.
The allocation data shows 02 8190 1691 is registered as a local service number in NSW through Symbio Networks Pty Ltd, which adds false legitimacy to the calls. Scammers frequently exploit legitimate Australian phone number ranges to appear local and trustworthy.
What to Do If You Receive a Call from 02 8190 1691
If 02 8190 1691 calls you:
- Do not: Press any keys in response to recorded messages, stay on the line to "speak with police", or provide any personal information
- Do not: Believe claims about credit card fraud, crypto purchases, or criminal investigations
- Do: Hang up immediately if you hear a recorded message claiming to connect you to federal police
- Do: Verify any claimed fraud directly by calling your bank or the Australian Federal Police on their official published number (not a number from the caller)
- Do: Block 0281901691 if the calls repeat
- Do: Remember that legitimate police will not call with threats or demands for immediate payment
How to Report 02 8190 1691
If you've received scam calls from 02 8190 1691 or 0281901691, report the number to the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) at acma.gov.au. The ACMA investigates scam and spam calls across Australia.
You can also report the scam to Scamwatch at scamwatch.gov.au, the Australian government's official scam reporting service. Scamwatch tracks active scams and publishes warnings to protect other Australians.
If the scammer claimed to be from the Australian Federal Police, report it to the AFP directly at afp.gov.au or call 131 AFP (131 237).
Contributing your report to Reverseau helps other Australians identify and avoid 02 8190 1691. Community reports are essential for building awareness about active scam numbers.
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WRITE A REVIEWRatings Distribution
What Our Users Reviewed
Recorded message saying press one and you'll reach a federal cop
Claiming a credit card was used to buy crypto
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WRITE A REVIEWFrequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I answered a call from 02 8190 1691 that mentioned federal police?
Hang up immediately and do not press any keys. Do not call back the number. If you pressed any keys or stayed on the line, monitor your bank account and credit cards for suspicious activity. Contact your bank directly using the number on your card or statement - never use a number provided by the caller. Report the call to ACMA at acma.gov.au. Remember that genuine police will not threaten immediate arrest or demand payment via phone.
Is 02 8190 1691 really connected to law enforcement?
No. 0281901691 is being used for scam calls impersonating federal police. Legitimate Australian Federal Police do not call people threatening arrest or demanding payment. If you're concerned about a genuine police matter, contact the AFP directly on 131 237 or visit afp.gov.au - do not call any number mentioned by an unsolicited caller.
A caller from 02 8190 1691 claimed my credit card was used for cryptocurrency. Is this real?
This is a scam tactic used by the 02 8190 1691 number. Scammers fabricate fraud claims to create panic and pressure you into providing payment details or personal information. If you genuinely suspect credit card fraud, contact your bank immediately using the number on the back of your card - not any number provided by a caller. Your bank will investigate real fraud without threats or pressure.
Why did I receive a recorded message from 0281901691 instead of a live person?
Robocalls and recorded messages from 0281901691 are used by scammers to automate their operation and reach more targets. The recorded message mentioning federal police is designed to appear official and encourage you to press a key to engage further. Hanging up and blocking the number is the safest response - do not interact with the recording.
Can I trust 02 8190 1691 because it looks like a real NSW number?
No. The number 0281901691 is registered as a legitimate local service number in NSW, but scammers routinely exploit real phone number ranges to appear trustworthy. This is why appearance alone is not reliable. Always verify claims independently by contacting official organisations directly using numbers you look up yourself, never numbers provided by callers.
Should I report 02 8190 1691 to the Do Not Call Register?
The Do Not Call Register is for legitimate telemarketing calls. 0281901691 is being used for fraud and impersonation, which are crimes. Instead, report it to ACMA at acma.gov.au and Scamwatch at scamwatch.gov.au. If police impersonation was mentioned, also report to the Australian Federal Police at afp.gov.au or 131 237. These agencies handle criminal scam activity rather than unwanted marketing calls.