- Scam
One contributor reported a voicemail from 02 8271 9440 (0282719440) impersonating Australian Border Police in Mandarin with automated prompt. Likely robocall scam.
Australian Border Police Impersonation Robocall from 02 8271 9440
A contributor has reported receiving a voicemail from 02 8271 9440 (also written as 0282719440) claiming to be from Australian Border Police. The message was delivered in Mandarin and included an automated prompt to press 1, indicating a robocall rather than a live operator. This impersonation tactic targets non-English speakers and uses government authority to create urgency and bypass scepticism.
The allocation data shows this Optus-networked NSW local service number was used to deliver the suspicious message. The combination of government impersonation, language targeting, and robocall delivery suggests a coordinated scam operation designed to deceive vulnerable callers into pressing options that could lead to financial or personal data theft.
What Callers from 02 8271 9440 Are Claiming
The voicemail from 0282719440 impersonated Australian Border Police, a high-authority government agency. Scammers choose this impersonation because it triggers fear of legal consequences and immigration issues. The Mandarin-language delivery indicates the scam targets Mandarin-speaking residents, particularly migrants and international students who may be unfamiliar with Australian government procedures or less confident challenging officials in English.
The automated prompt to press 1 is a classic robocall tactic designed to confirm the number is active and deliver callers to a live scammer or another recorded message. Contributors should recognise that legitimate Australian Border Force would never deliver official notices via voicemail with press-to-respond options.
Why This Scam Targets Language-Specific Groups
Using Mandarin in the voicemail from 02 8271 9440 is deliberate. Scammers know that language barriers make it harder for recipients to verify claims, challenge the caller, or report the incident. Mandarin-speaking residents may also be unfamiliar with how Australian government agencies actually operate, making official-sounding claims more credible. The robocall format removes the need for scammers to maintain a false accent or personality, reducing detection risk.
What to Do If You Receive a Call from 02 8271 9440
If 02 8271 9440 calls you:
- Do not: Press any numbered options, return the call, or provide personal information
- Do: Let it go to voicemail, block the number immediately, and do not engage with prompts
- Do: Verify independently by calling the official Australian Border Force line (131 881) or visiting abf.gov.au if you have concerns about your status
- Do: Remember that legitimate government agencies never demand immediate action via voicemail with press options
What to Do If You Receive an SMS from 02 8271 9440
If 0282719440 sends an SMS claiming to be from Border Police:
- Do not: Click any links, reply to the message, or call any number provided in the SMS
- Do: Delete the message and report it as spam immediately
- Do: Forward the SMS to 0429 999 888 (ACMA spam reporting) with the original message intact
- Do: Contact Australian Border Force directly on 131 881 if you need verification
How to Report 02 8271 9440
If you received this robocall from 02 8271 9440, you can report it through multiple Australian government channels:
- ACMA (Australian Communications and Media Authority): Report the robocall at acma.gov.au. ACMA tracks illegal robocall networks and can pursue telcos for breaches.
- Scamwatch: Submit details at scamwatch.gov.au. Scamwatch publishes current scam alerts and shares data with law enforcement.
- Australian Border Force: If concerned about your actual immigration status, contact ABF directly on 131 881 or visit abf.gov.au to verify legitimacy.
- Reverseau: Contribute your report here to help other Australians identify and avoid 0282719440.
- Local police: If you feel threatened or believe your data has been compromised, lodge a report with your state police.
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What Our Users Reviewed
voicemail claiming to be Australian Border Police, in Mandarin with press 1 option
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WRITE A REVIEWFrequently Asked Questions
Is 02 8271 9440 really from Australian Border Police?
No. Australian Border Force never delivers official notices via robocall voicemail with press-to-respond options. The contributor received a robocall in Mandarin from 02 8271 9440 (0282719440) impersonating Border Police, but this is a scam tactic. Legitimate government contact comes via official mail, email to verified accounts, or phone calls from numbers you can independently verify on the official ABF website. If you doubt a call, hang up and ring ABF directly on 131 881.
Why was the voicemail from 02 8271 9440 in Mandarin?
Scammers deliberately use Mandarin in calls from 0282719440 to target Mandarin-speaking residents. Language barriers make it harder to verify claims, challenge the caller, or report the incident. Migrants and international students may also be less familiar with Australian government procedures, making official-sounding claims more credible. The robocall removes the need for the scammer to maintain a false accent.
What happens if I press 1 on the voicemail from 02 8271 9440?
Pressing 1 confirms your number is active and may connect you to a live scammer posing as Border Police. They will likely demand personal information, banking details, or payment. Do not press any options from calls or voicemails claiming to be from 02 8271 9440 (0282719440). Simply block the number and report it.
Should I be worried about my immigration status after receiving a call from 02 8271 9440?
No. The voicemail from 0282719440 is a scam, not a legitimate government notice. Australian Border Force will never threaten you via robocall voicemail. If you genuinely need to check your visa or immigration status, contact ABF directly on 131 881 or log into your immi account at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au. Do not engage with 02 8271 9440.
Can I report the voicemail from 02 8271 9440 to ACMA?
Yes. ACMA (Australian Communications and Media Authority) investigates illegal robocalls. Report 02 8271 9440 at acma.gov.au with details of when you received the call and what the voicemail said. ACMA can pursue Optus (the provider) and the scammers for breaches of telecommunications law. You can also report to Scamwatch at scamwatch.gov.au.
Is 02 8271 9440 actually an Optus number?
The number 0282719440 is provisioned through Optus Networks in NSW, but this does not mean Optus authorised the scam calls. Scammers spoof or hijack phone numbers regularly. Report the robocall to ACMA so they can investigate whether 02 8271 9440 was compromised or fraudulently used by the scammers.