- Scam
02 8190 1822 (0281901822): Scam report of fake AFP detective call with threat-intimidation tactics and callback request.
AFP Impersonation Scam Report for 02 8190 1822
One contributor has reported a scam call from 02 8190 1822 (also written as 0281901822) impersonating the Australian Federal Police. The caller falsely claimed to be a detective and attempted to pressure the recipient into pressing 1 to connect with law enforcement. This type of impersonation attack exploits the authority and perceived legitimacy of the AFP to create urgency and bypass the recipient's natural scepticism.
The call came from a number allocated to Symbio Networks in New South Wales, registered as a local service. Scammers frequently spoof legitimate-looking local numbers to increase the likelihood that their call will be answered, making 02 8190 1822 potentially dangerous if the pattern continues.
What Callers from 02 8190 1822 Are Claiming
According to the report, the caller from 02 8190 1822 impersonated an AFP detective and instructed the recipient to press 1 to proceed. This is a classic callback scam tactic designed to confirm the number is active and willing to engage. Once a callback is established, scammers can either launch follow-up fraud attempts, collect personal information under false pretences, or transfer the call to accomplices posing as additional authorities.
The threat-intimidation element of the call suggests the scammer was attempting to create fear or urgency, a common strategy when impersonating law enforcement. Contributors receiving calls from 0281901822 should be aware that genuine AFP contact occurs through official channels with proper identification, never through unsolicited phone calls demanding immediate action.
Report Details and Call Characteristics
The report was submitted on 18 April 2026 following an answered call to 02 8190 1822. The contributor recognised the scam nature of the call and did not comply with the instruction to press 1. This early detection and reporting helps protect other Australians from the same fraudulent caller on this number.
What to Do If You Receive a Call from 02 8190 1822
If 02 8190 1822 calls you:
- Do not: Press any numbers, return the call, or engage further with the caller
- Do not: Confirm your name, address, date of birth, or any personal information
- Do: Hang up immediately and block the number
- Do: Verify any law enforcement claim directly by calling the official AFP number (131 AFP or 13 2372) from a separate phone
- Do: Report the scam to Scamwatch and the ACMA if you have further details about the caller or their tactics
How to Report 02 8190 1822
If you've received a call from 02 8190 1822 or 0281901822, report it to the following Australian authorities:
- Scamwatch: scamwatch.gov.au - Report AFP impersonation and threatening scam calls
- ACMA (Australian Communications and Media Authority): acma.gov.au - Report the phone number for investigation
- Australian Federal Police: afp.gov.au or call 131 AFP (13 2372) to report fraud impersonation
- ReportCyber: cyber.gov.au - Report if the scam involved any online component or data theft attempt
- Reverseau: Contribute your experience to help other Australians identify and avoid this number
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What Our Users Reviewed
Fake AFP call saying a detective wants to ring, just press 1
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WRITE A REVIEWFrequently Asked Questions
Is 02 8190 1822 a real AFP number?
No. 02 8190 1822 (0281901822) is a spoofed number used by scammers to impersonate the AFP. Genuine AFP contact will never initiate calls demanding you press numbers or threatening immediate legal action. If you're uncertain about an AFP communication, hang up and call the official AFP number 131 AFP (13 2372) directly to verify.
What happens if I press 1 when the caller from 02 8190 1822 tells me to?
Pressing 1 in response to a call from 02 8190 1822 confirms to the scammer that your number is active and that you're willing to engage. This puts you at risk of follow-up fraud attempts, transfer to additional scammers, or demands for payment or personal information. Never press numbers on unsolicited calls claiming to be from authorities.
Why do scammers use local numbers like 02 8190 1822?
Scammers spoof local numbers like 02 8190 1822 (0281901822) because they're more likely to be answered than toll-free or interstate numbers. A NSW-based local number appearing in your caller ID creates false trust and makes the fraudulent call seem official. This tactic increases the likelihood you'll engage before realising it's a scam.
What should I do if I already pressed 1 or gave information to 02 8190 1822?
If you pressed 1 or engaged with 02 8190 1822, monitor your accounts closely for suspicious activity. If you disclosed personal details like your date of birth, address, or financial information, contact your bank immediately and consider placing a fraud alert on your credit file. Report the call to Scamwatch (scamwatch.gov.au) and the ACMA, and file a report with the AFP at afp.gov.au.
Can I block 02 8190 1822 on my phone?
Yes, you should block 02 8190 1822 immediately. Most smartphones allow you to block numbers directly from the recent calls list or within your phone's settings. However, note that scammers can spoof different numbers each time, so blocking a single number like 0281901822 is a temporary measure. Continue to screen unknown calls and never press numbers on unsolicited calls.
Should I report this number to the Do Not Call Register?
The Do Not Call Register is less effective against scammers using spoofed numbers like 02 8190 1822, as they typically ignore such registrations. Instead, report 0281901822 directly to the ACMA (acma.gov.au), Scamwatch (scamwatch.gov.au), and the AFP (afp.gov.au). These organisations have dedicated fraud investigation teams and can take action against the scammers behind the number.