- Scam
One contributor reports calls from 02 8190 1889 (0281901889) with callers impersonating immigration authorities and making threats. Do not engage or share personal details.
Immigration Impersonation Reports for 02 8190 1889
A contributor has reported receiving a call from 02 8190 1889 (also written as 0281901889) where the caller impersonated immigration authorities. The caller employed threat-based tactics, attempting to extract information through intimidation rather than legitimate inquiry. This type of scam exploits people's concerns about visa status, residency, or deportation to pressure immediate compliance.
The report indicates that callers from 0281901889 do not identify themselves with verifiable details such as case numbers, department names, or callback protocols used by genuine government agencies. Instead, they demand immediate information and discourage verification, which is a hallmark of impersonation scams targeting migrants and international residents in NSW.
What Callers from 02 8190 1889 Say
According to the contributor, the caller claimed to represent immigration authorities and used intimidating language to pressure disclosure. The contributor was explicitly warned not to share information, which suggests the caller's tactics involved creating confusion or fear to prevent the target from verifying the call or seeking advice.
Genuine immigration inquiries from the Department of Home Affairs or related agencies always provide verifiable contact details, case references, and do not use threat-based language during initial contact. Calls from 02 8190 1889 that claim immigration authority status but rely on threats are clear indicators of a scam.
What to Do If You Receive a Call from 02 8190 1889
If 02 8190 1889 calls claiming to be from immigration or any government agency:
- Do not: Answer questions, confirm personal details, provide passport or visa information, or feel pressured by threats of deportation or legal action
- Do: Hang up immediately, block the number, and independently verify by contacting the Department of Home Affairs using the official phone number from their website
- Do: Remember that genuine government agencies never threaten arrest or deportation over the phone as a first contact method
If you have already provided information to a caller from 0281901889, contact the Department of Home Affairs directly and report the incident to the Australian Cyber Security Centre.
How to Report 02 8190 1889
If you receive a threatening impersonation call from 02 8190 1889:
- Report to the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) at acma.gov.au or call 1300 850 152
- Report to the Australian Cyber Security Centre at cyber.gov.au - especially if personal or passport information was mentioned
- Report to Scamwatch at scamwatch.gov.au with details of the call and any claims made
- If you provided personal information, also contact the Department of Home Affairs at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au or 131 881 to report the impersonation and check your account security
- Share your experience on Reverseau to help other Australians identify this number
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What Our Users Reviewed
Cons claiming to be from immigration authorities. Don't tell them anything
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WRITE A REVIEWFrequently Asked Questions
Why would scammers impersonate immigration authorities on 02 8190 1889?
Immigration impersonation scams exploit fear around visa status, deportation, and legal consequences. Callers from 02 8190 1889 use authority and threats to bypass normal caution. Migrants and visa holders are often targeted because the stakes feel high, making them more likely to comply quickly without verifying the caller's identity.
How can I tell if a call from 0281901889 is actually from the Department of Home Affairs?
Genuine Department of Home Affairs staff will provide a case reference number, allow you to verify by calling the official department line, and never threaten arrest or deportation on first contact. If 02 8190 1889 refuses to provide verifiable details or becomes aggressive when you ask to call back, it's a scam.
What information should I never share with 02 8190 1889 or similar callers?
Do not share passport numbers, visa details, date of birth, address, bank account information, or immigration case numbers with any unsolicited caller. If 0281901889 calls, hang up and contact the Department of Home Affairs independently using the official contact details from their website.
What should I do if I already gave information to a caller from 0281901889?
Contact the Department of Home Affairs immediately at 131 881 or immi.homeaffairs.gov.au to report the impersonation and verify your account. Also report the call from 02 8190 1889 to the Australian Cyber Security Centre at cyber.gov.au in case your personal information was compromised.
Is 02 8190 1889 a real government number?
No. 02 8190 1889 (0281901889) is registered as a local service with Symbio Networks in NSW, not as a government agency line. The Department of Home Affairs uses official government phone numbers that you can verify independently. Never call a number provided by an unsolicited caller claiming to be from immigration.
How do I block 02 8190 1889 on my phone?
On most Australian phones, you can block 0281901889 by adding it to your contacts as a blocked number, or by using your phone's native blocking feature. Report the number to your carrier and to ACMA at acma.gov.au to help prevent others from receiving scam calls from 02 8190 1889.