02 8271 9640 - 0282719640: Visa Impersonation Robocall

• Scam

02 8271 9640 (0282719640): Contributor reports automated robocall impersonating visa services, requesting account verification via keypress.

Visa Impersonation Robocall from 02 8271 9640

A contributor has reported receiving an automated robocall from 02 8271 9640 (also written as 0282719640) claiming there is a problem with their visa. The recorded message instructed the recipient to press one for English or two for Chinese, a classic robocall impersonation tactic designed to confirm the number is active and capture a response. The contributor, alerted by their phone's scam-screening feature, did not engage with the prompt and reported the call as spam.

This type of impersonation robocall targets visa holders and travellers by creating false urgency around immigration or visa status. The multi-language prompt suggests the call may be targeting a broad geographic audience rather than a specific individual. The voicemail left on 02 8271 9640 shows sophistication in mimicking official government communication, though the generic nature of the message indicates mass dialling rather than personalised fraud.

What Callers from 02 8271 9640 Say

The recorded message from 0282719640 states: "There is a problem with your visa. For details please press one for English, two for Chinese."

This phrasing is intentionally vague to maximise anxiety across visa holders and international students. By offering language options, the caller attempts to appear legitimate and inclusive. However, legitimate visa-related communications from Australian government agencies arrive via official channels (email, SMS, or postal mail), never through unsolicited automated calls requesting keypress responses.

Call Characteristics and Timing

The call to 02 8271 9640 was received as a voicemail, suggesting the contributor's phone screened or rejected the incoming call. The robocall originated from an Optus local service number in NSW. The contributor received the message on 15 December 2025 in the early morning hours (02:26 UTC), typical timing for robocall campaigns that exploit time zone differences and reduced call screening during off-peak hours.

The use of a local NSW number lends false credibility to the robocall, as local numbers appear less suspicious than 1800 or 13XX numbers. This is a deliberate impersonation tactic to increase answer rates before the recipient realises they're speaking with an automated system.

What to Do If You Receive a Call from 02 8271 9640

If 02 8271 9640 calls you:

• Do not: Press any keys in response to prompts, return the call, or provide any information
• Do: Let the call go to voicemail, block the number immediately, and verify visa status through the official Department of Home Affairs website (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au)
• Do: Be aware that Australian government agencies never request personal information or visa details via unsolicited automated calls
• Do: Remember that pressing keys on robocalls confirms your number is active and may lead to follow-up scam attempts

What to Do If You Receive an SMS from 02 8271 9640

If you receive an SMS from 0282719640 or similar numbers claiming visa issues:

• Do not: Click any links, reply to the message, or call any number provided in the SMS
• Do: Delete the message immediately
• Do: Forward the SMS to 0429 999 888 (ACMA spam reporting service) and include the sender's number
• Do: Block the number in your phone settings to prevent future messages

How to Report 02 8271 9640

If you receive a scam call from 02 8271 9640, report it through these Australian government resources:

• ACMA (Australian Communications and Media Authority): Report the number at acma.gov.au. ACMA investigates scam calls and robocalls on the National Do Not Call Register.
• Scamwatch: Lodge a report at scamwatch.gov.au with details of the call, message content, and timing. Scamwatch tracks common scam patterns and publishes warnings.
• Cybercrime reporting: For scams involving identity theft or financial loss, report to cyber.gov.au (Australian Cyber Security Centre).
• Reverseau community: Contribute your experience with 02 8271 9640 (0282719640) to help other Australians identify and avoid this number.

Frequently Asked Questions