- Suspicious
02 8214 5991 (0282145991): One contributor reports a robocall impersonating immigration authorities, claiming multiple prior contact attempts and requesting language selection.
Immigration Impersonation Robocall from 02 8214 5991
A single contributor has reported receiving a call from 02 8214 5991 (also written as 0282145991) involving an automated robocall claiming to be from immigration authorities. The caller stated they had reached out multiple times previously, which is a common tactic to create a false sense of urgency and legitimacy. The call then prompted the recipient to press 1 for English or 2 for Chinese, consistent with automated systems designed to segment callers for social engineering purposes.
This type of robocall impersonation targeting immigration concerns is particularly dangerous because it exploits anxiety around visa status, residency, or travel documentation. The multi-language option suggests the scam may be targeting international residents or recent migrants to Australia who might be more vulnerable to authority-based threats.
What the Robocall from 02 8214 5991 Indicated
The reported call from 0282145991 used two key deception tactics: false prior contact claims and language-based segmentation. By claiming they had "reached out multiple times", the caller attempted to establish false familiarity and override the recipient's natural skepticism about an unexpected call. The language selection prompt is designed to route callers into separate conversation flows, allowing scammers to tailor their approach based on language preference and potentially exploit communication barriers.
The impersonation of immigration authorities is particularly concerning because Australian immigration processes are legitimate sources of anxiety for visa holders and temporary residents. Scammers exploiting this leverage threats of visa cancellation, deportation, or legal action to coerce payment or personal information.
Report Patterns and Timing
The call to 02 8214 5991 was answered by the contributor, suggesting the robocall successfully connected and the recipient engaged with the initial prompt. The call was logged on 21 December 2025, approaching the end-of-year period when scammers intensify campaigns due to reduced official business activity and lower public alertness. The number is registered as a local service through Verizon Australia in NSW, though this does not guarantee legitimacy as scammers frequently spoof local numbers to appear credible.
What to Do If You Receive a Call from 02 8214 5991
If 02 8214 5991 or similar robocalls contact you:
- Do not: Press any buttons when prompted, return the call, or provide any personal information including passport details, visa status, or financial information
- Do: Hang up immediately, block the number, and verify any immigration-related claims directly through the official Department of Home Affairs website or by calling their legitimate contact number
- Do: Recognise that legitimate immigration authorities will not demand immediate payment or threaten arrest during unsolicited calls
- Do: Be particularly cautious if the caller mentions visa cancellation, deportation, or legal action - these are common scare tactics used by scammers
How to Report 02 8214 5991
If you receive this call or similar immigration-based robocalls, report the number through multiple channels:
- Report to Scamwatch at scamwatch.gov.au with details of the call, timing, and any claims made
- Report to the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) at acma.gov.au - ACMA investigates unlawful telemarketing and robocall activity
- Lodge a report with ReportCyber at cyber.gov.au if the call involved a phishing link or request to download software
- Report the number to Reverseau to help other Australians identify this scam number and contribute to community intelligence
- If you're a visa holder or migrant concerned about the legitimacy of any immigration matter, contact the Department of Home Affairs directly rather than calling back any unsolicited caller
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What Our Users Reviewed
Claimed to be immigration saying they reached out multiple times, asked me to press 1 for English or 2 for Chinese
Help others by sharing your experience with (02) 8214 5991!
WRITE A REVIEWFrequently Asked Questions
Is 02 8214 5991 really from Australian immigration?
No. The Department of Home Affairs does not contact people via unsolicited robocalls asking them to press buttons for language selection. Legitimate immigration matters are handled through official channels like myGov, email, or calls from numbers listed on the Department's official website. If you're uncertain about an immigration issue, contact the Department directly at 131 881 rather than calling back 02 8214 5991.
What happens if I press 1 or 2 on the 02 8214 5991 call?
Pressing 1 or 2 on 0282145991 would confirm to the scammer that your number is active and monitored by a real person. This typically routes you to a live scammer who will attempt to extract personal information, money, or convince you to visit a fake website. Never engage with language selection prompts on unsolicited robocalls.
Why did 02 8214 5991 claim they called multiple times?
This is a manipulation tactic. The caller from 0282145991 claims prior contact to make you believe this is a legitimate follow-up, creating false urgency and trust. In reality, if you have no record of previous calls about your immigration status, the claim is false. Legitimate government agencies provide written notice before escalating contact attempts.
Should I call 02 8214 5991 back to verify?
No. Do not return calls to 02 8214 5991 or 0282145991. This is a common tactic - scammers rely on people calling back out of concern. If you have legitimate immigration concerns, contact the Department of Home Affairs directly at 131 881 or visit immi.homeaffairs.gov.au to verify any claims about your visa or residency status.
Can Verizon Australia be responsible for 02 8214 5991?
The number 02 8214 5991 is registered to Verizon Australia as a local service, but this does not make Verizon responsible for the scam call. Scammers frequently spoof legitimate phone numbers and use telecom infrastructure to disguise their origin. Report the call to ACMA at acma.gov.au and Verizon Australia so they can investigate the source of the spoofed number.
What should I do if I already engaged with the 02 8214 5991 robocall?
If you pressed a button or spoke to someone from 0282145991, monitor your accounts closely and consider placing a fraud alert with your bank. Do not provide any additional information if they contact you again. Block the number immediately and report it to Scamwatch (scamwatch.gov.au) and ACMA (acma.gov.au). If you're a visa holder, check your myGov account or contact the Department of Home Affairs at 131 881 to confirm your actual immigration status.