- Scam
One contributor reported a recorded message from 02 8214 4219 (0282144219) falsely claiming to be Australia Border Force. Learn what to do if you receive this call.
Australia Border Force Impersonation Robocall from 02 8214 4219
A contributor has reported receiving a recorded voicemail message from 02 8214 4219 (also written as 0282144219) impersonating Australia Border Force. The automated message claimed the agency had attempted to reach the recipient, despite the contributor having no recent travel or pending customs matters. This type of robocall-based impersonation targets anxiety around border and customs issues to pressure recipients into returning the call.
The use of a prerecorded message is a common tactic in this scam variant. Rather than a live caller, the automated nature of the call from 0282144219 allows scammers to reach large volumes of people quickly. Once a recipient calls back, they may be directed to provide personal information, bank details, or payment for supposed customs fees or fines.
What the Voicemail from 02 8214 4219 Claimed
The recorded message stated that Australia Border Force had tried to contact the recipient. No specific threat or claim was detailed in the report, but the implication is that the recipient has a customs or border matter requiring immediate attention. The caller from 02 8214 4219 left this message as a voicemail, which is designed to create urgency without allowing the recipient to immediately ask questions or challenge the claim.
Report Details and Context
The single report about 02 8214 4219 describes a voicemail notification. The contributor did not answer the call, which likely prevented the scammer from requesting sensitive information or payment. The contributor correctly identified that they had no pending travel or customs issues, indicating awareness that the call was fraudulent.
What to Do If You Receive a Call from 02 8214 4219
If 02 8214 4219 calls you:
- Do not: Return the call, press any menu options, or provide personal information if you do answer
- Do not: Assume the message is legitimate based on the Australia Border Force name
- Do: Let calls from 0282144219 go to voicemail
- Do: Hang up immediately if you answer and hear a recorded message
- Do: Verify any border or customs matter directly by calling the official Australia Border Force number (1300 062 013) or visiting abf.gov.au
- Do: Block 02 8214 4219 on your phone if the calls continue
How to Report 02 8214 4219
If you receive calls from 02 8214 4219, report the number to relevant authorities:
- Scamwatch: Lodge a report at scamwatch.gov.au, which monitors scam trends and issues public warnings
- ACMA (Australian Communications and Media Authority): Report the robocall at acma.gov.au or call 1300 850 152. ACMA investigates illegal robocalls and can take enforcement action
- ReportCyber: If you provided any information or suffered financial loss, report at cyber.gov.au
- Reverseau: Contribute your experience on this page to help other Australians recognise similar calls from 0282144219
Why This Scam Works
Australia Border Force is a trusted government agency, making impersonation of ABF particularly effective. Most people are unfamiliar with how ABF actually contacts the public, so a robocall claiming to be from the agency can create genuine uncertainty. The contributor's awareness that they had no pending customs matters was the key factor in recognising the call from 02 8214 4219 as fraudulent.
Help others by sharing your experience with (02) 8214 4219!
WRITE A REVIEWRatings Distribution
What Our Users Reviewed
Recorded message claiming Australia Border Force tried to reach me. haven't travelled and not expecting anything
Help others by sharing your experience with (02) 8214 4219!
WRITE A REVIEWFrequently Asked Questions
Is 02 8214 4219 really from Australia Border Force?
No. Australia Border Force does not use prerecorded robocalls to contact people. If ABF needs to reach you, they will contact you through official channels or send a letter. If you receive a robocall from 02 8214 4219 (0282144219) claiming to be from ABF, it is a scam. Verify any customs matter by calling the official ABF number directly at 1300 062 013.
What should I do if I already returned the call to 02 8214 4219?
If you called back 0282144219 and provided personal information, bank details, or payment information, contact your bank immediately and report the matter to Scamwatch (scamwatch.gov.au) and ReportCyber (cyber.gov.au). Do not provide any further information to anyone claiming to be from ABF if they call again.
Can I block 02 8214 4219 on my phone?
Yes. Most modern phones allow you to block numbers directly in your phone's settings or by using call-blocking apps. Blocking 02 8214 4219 (0282144219) will prevent future calls from reaching you. You can also register with the Do Not Call Register at donotcall.gov.au, though scammers often ignore this register.
Why did the caller from 02 8214 4219 leave a voicemail instead of speaking to me?
Robocalls use prerecorded messages because they are automated and designed to reach as many people as possible without human involvement. The scammer does not expect you to answer; the goal is to get you to call back 0282144219 where a live person can attempt to extract information or money from you.
How do I know if a real Australia Border Force matter is pending?
If you have a genuine customs or border issue, ABF will contact you by mail to your registered address or through your ABF account if you have one. You can also contact ABF directly at 1300 062 013 or visit abf.gov.au to check your own account. Never rely on an unsolicited call from 02 8214 4219 (0282144219) to confirm a border matter.
Should I report 02 8214 4219 to the police?
You can report the call to local police, but ACMA (acma.gov.au) is the primary authority for robocall complaints in Australia. Reporting to Scamwatch (scamwatch.gov.au) also helps authorities track scam patterns. If you suffered financial loss, report to ReportCyber (cyber.gov.au) for investigation by the Australian Cyber Security Centre.