- Scam
Community report for 02 8271 9118 (0282719118): Caller impersonated Australian Border Force. One contributor flagged this suspicious call.
Australian Border Force Impersonation Report for 02 8271 9118
One contributor has reported receiving a call from 02 8271 9118 (also written as 0282719118) where the caller claimed to represent the Australian Border Force. This impersonation tactic is a common scam approach used to create false urgency and authority, pressuring recipients into disclosing personal information or complying with fraudulent demands.
The call came through an Optus Networks local service number in NSW. The contributor answered the call, which is when the impersonation claim was made. Impersonating government agencies like the Australian Border Force is illegal in Australia and designed to exploit trust in official authorities.
What to Do If You Receive a Call from 02 8271 9118
If 02 8271 9118 calls you, follow these steps:
- Do not: Provide any personal information, passport details, visa status, or banking information
- Do not: Agree to any urgent actions or payments
- Do not: Return the call to the number provided
- Do: Hang up immediately if you suspect impersonation
- Do: Verify any legitimate Border Force matter independently by calling the official Australian Border Force number on 1800 245 398 or visiting the official website at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
- Do: Block 02 8271 9118 in your phone settings if the call repeats
How to Report 02 8271 9118
If you receive a suspicious call from this number, report it to relevant Australian authorities:
- Scamwatch: Report the call at scamwatch.gov.au - the official Australian government resource for scam reports
- ACMA (Australian Communications and Media Authority): File a complaint at acma.gov.au about unwanted calls and impersonation
- Australian Border Force: Report impersonation directly to the ABF at border.gov.au or call 1800 245 398 to alert them their name is being misused
- ReportCyber: If the call included any cybersecurity threats, report via cyber.gov.au
- Reverseau: Contribute your experience to help other Australians identify this number - your report helps build community awareness
Why Government Impersonation Scams Target Australians
Scammers impersonate agencies like the Australian Border Force because these organisations hold real authority over serious matters - visa status, travel, legal standing. A caller claiming to be from the Border Force creates immediate concern and compliance pressure. Recipients often fear consequences and comply without verifying the caller's identity. The tactic exploits the legitimate work of the Australian Border Force, which does contact people about immigration matters, making the impersonation more plausible.
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WRITE A REVIEWFrequently Asked Questions
What should I do if 02 8271 9118 claimed to be from the Australian Border Force?
Hang up immediately and do not provide any information. The Australian Border Force will never demand personal details or payment over the phone without prior written notice. If you have a genuine Border Force matter, verify it independently by calling the official ABF on 1800 245 398 or visiting immi.homeaffairs.gov.au. Report the impersonation to Scamwatch at scamwatch.gov.au and to the ABF directly so they can track misuse of their name.
Is 0282719118 a real Australian Border Force number?
No. The number 0282719118 (02 8271 9118) is registered as an Optus Networks local service in NSW. The Australian Border Force does not conduct scams or demand payments via unsolicited calls. If you need to contact the ABF, use the official number 1800 245 398 or log in to your myGov account.
What if I already gave information to the caller from 02 8271 9118?
Contact the Australian Border Force immediately at 1800 245 398 to report the impersonation and alert them to potential misuse of your details. If you provided banking or card information, contact your bank right away. Monitor your accounts for unusual activity and consider reporting the call to Scamwatch at scamwatch.gov.au and ACMA at acma.gov.au to help prevent others falling victim to this 02 8271 9118 scam.
How common are Australian Border Force impersonation scams?
Government agency impersonation, including Australian Border Force scams, is a widespread tactic reported frequently to Scamwatch. The reason is simple: government agencies carry real authority, so impersonating them creates urgency and compliance. This particular number (02 8271 9118) has been reported once to Reverseau for this tactic, but similar scams occur regularly across Australia.
What are the red flags of a Border Force impersonation call?
Real Border Force officers will not demand immediate payment, threaten arrest, or ask for personal details over an unexpected call. If 02 8271 9118 or any caller claiming to be from the ABF asks you to pay fines, surrender your passport, or verify your visa status over the phone without a prior letter, it is almost certainly a scam. Genuine Border Force contact usually comes via myGov or official written correspondence first.
Should I block 02 8271 9118?
Yes. If 02 8271 9118 calls you, you can block it through your phone's settings or your provider's tools. Blocking will prevent further calls from this number. You can also report the number to your phone provider (in this case, Optus) for acting as a vehicle for impersonation fraud. Reporting to ACMA at acma.gov.au will also help track and address patterns of misuse on this number.