- Suspicious
- Scam
02 8271 9812 (0282719812): Contributors report Australian Border Force impersonation calls with bilingual tactics claiming documents await collection.
Australian Border Force Impersonation Reports for 02 8271 9812
Two contributors have reported calls from 02 8271 9812 (also written as 0282719812) impersonating Australian Border Force. The caller initially speaks in Chinese, then switches to English with an Australian accent to deliver a scripted message. The message claims that Australian Border Force has an important document awaiting collection, creating false urgency around official processes.
This bilingual switching tactic appears designed to exploit multilingual households or communities. The use of an Australian accent in English, paired with Chinese language segments, suggests targeting of Chinese-speaking residents. Both confirmed reports about 0282719812 follow the same pattern, indicating a structured scam operation rather than isolated incidents.
What Callers from 02 8271 9812 Say
Contributors who answered calls from 02 8271 9812 report a consistent script. The caller begins speaking Chinese, then transitions to an English-language recorded or semi-scripted message stating: "Australian Border Force has an important document of mine awaiting collection." After delivering this claim, the caller returns to speaking Chinese.
The message is deliberately vague about what the document is or why it requires collection, relying on the authority of Australian Border Force and the assumption that recipients may have parcels or legitimate correspondence in transit. This vagueness forces recipients to engage further or provide personal details to clarify the claim. The call from 02 8271 9812 uses official-sounding language paired with the bilingual approach to bypass suspicion, particularly among residents less familiar with Australian government contact protocols.
Call Patterns and Timing
Both confirmed reports of 02 8271 9812 were received as answered calls, indicating the caller completed dialling and waited for engagement rather than hanging up automatically. The reports came in on consecutive dates (11-12 December 2025), suggesting targeted outreach rather than random dialling.
One contributor noted receiving the call and immediately blocking 0282719812 after recognising the impersonation attempt. Another report was logged as a missed call, with the contributor later flagging 02 8271 9812 as a scam after checking the number. The allocation data shows this is a local NSW service on the Optus network.
What to Do If You Receive a Call from 02 8271 9812
If 02 8271 9812 calls you:
- Do not: Engage with requests for document collection, personal identification numbers, passport details, or financial information
- Do not: Press any menu options or return the call if prompted
- Do: Hang up immediately if the caller claims to represent Australian Border Force or any government agency
- Do: Verify any claimed document independently by contacting Australian Border Force directly through their official website or a known verified phone number
- Do: Block 02 8271 9812 if it calls repeatedly
- Do: Note the exact time and content of the call for reporting purposes
How to Report 02 8271 9812
If you receive a scam call from 02 8271 9812 (0282719812), report it to the following Australian government agencies:
- Scamwatch: scamwatch.gov.au - Report the scam and check for warnings about similar numbers
- ACMA (Australian Communications and Media Authority): acma.gov.au - Report illegal calls and scam activity
- ReportCyber: cyber.gov.au - Report cybercrime and fraud to the Australian Cyber Security Centre
- Block the number: Use your phone's native blocking feature or contact your provider (Optus in this case) to report harassment
- Contribute to Reverseau: Report your experience with 02 8271 9812 on Reverseau to help other Australians identify this scam
Help others by sharing your experience with (02) 8271 9812!
WRITE A REVIEWRatings Distribution
What Our Users Reviewed
The caller begins by talking in Chinese. Then a message in English (in an Australian, not Chinese, accent) follows, advising that Australian Border Force has an important document of mine awaiting collection. Then the caller spoke in Chinese. I blocked the call.
The caller begins by talking in Chinese. Then a message in English (in an Australian, not Chinese, accent) follows, advising that Australian Border Force has an important document of mine awaiting collection. Then the caller spoke in Chinese. I blocked the call.
Scam call.
Help others by sharing your experience with (02) 8271 9812!
WRITE A REVIEWFrequently Asked Questions
Why does the caller from 02 8271 9812 switch between Chinese and English?
The bilingual approach appears intentionally designed to exploit multilingual households. By starting in Chinese and switching to an Australian-accented English message about Australian Border Force, the scammer increases the chance that the call seems legitimate to Chinese-speaking residents unfamiliar with how Australian government agencies actually contact citizens. Contributors who received calls from 0282719812 reported this same switching pattern, confirming it is a deliberate tactic.
Is Australian Border Force actually contacting me about a document?
No. Australian Border Force does not initiate contact about awaiting documents via unsolicited calls with vague messages. Real ABF correspondence comes through official mail or verified contact methods. If you receive a call from 02 8271 9812 claiming this, it is a scam. Do not engage or provide any information. Verify any legitimate ABF matters through abf.gov.au or by calling ABF's official number, not the number that called you.
What information are these callers trying to extract from 02 8271 9812?
While the initial message from 0282719812 is vague, the scam's goal is to prompt recipients to respond with personal details (full name, date of birth, address, passport number, or banking information) to "verify" the document claim or arrange collection. This creates an entry point for identity theft, fraud, or further social engineering. Contributors who answered 02 8271 9812 and blocked it quickly avoided providing any information.
Should I call back the number 02 8271 9812 to verify the document claim?
No. Do not call back 0282719812 under any circumstances. Calling back confirms your number is active and monitored, which increases the likelihood of further scam calls. Additionally, the person answering at this number will be part of the scam operation. If you believe there is a legitimate matter, initiate contact yourself by calling Australian Border Force's official number or visiting abf.gov.au to check your account.
Why is 02 8271 9812 allowed to operate if it is a known scam number?
Scammers frequently spoof or use legitimate phone numbers that appear local (02 is a Sydney area code). The number itself may be hijacked, spoofed, or legitimately allocated and misused. While ACMA and law enforcement work to shut down scam operations, new numbers and tactics emerge constantly. Reporting 0282719812 to ACMA and Scamwatch creates a record that helps authorities identify patterns. Contributing your experience to Reverseau also alerts other Australians to block and avoid 02 8271 9812.
What should I do if I already provided information to a caller from 02 8271 9812?
If you provided personal details, financial information, or identification numbers to 0282719812, contact your bank immediately and consider placing a fraud alert on your credit file through Equifax, Experian, or Illion. Report the call to Scamwatch (scamwatch.gov.au), ACMA (acma.gov.au), and ReportCyber (cyber.gov.au). Monitor your accounts closely for unauthorised activity. For additional support, contact the Australian Cyber Security Centre or Services Australia if myGov account compromises are a concern.