- Uncertain
- Scam
02 8271 9815 (0282719815): Contributors report automated calls impersonating Australian Border Control with press-1 prompts. Potential impersonation and robocall scam.
Australian Border Control Impersonation Robocall from 02 8271 9815
Two contributors have reported activity from 02 8271 9815 (also written as 0282719815), with one report describing a robocall impersonating Australian Border Control. The automated call asked the recipient to press 1, a common tactic used in scams designed to confirm active phone numbers or trigger fraudulent transactions. This number is allocated to Optus Networks in New South Wales and operates as a local service.
The impersonation of government agencies like Australian Border Control is a significant red flag. Contributors who receive calls from 0282719815 claiming to represent border authorities should be particularly cautious, as these calls often lead to pressure for personal information, payment details, or compliance with false demands.
What Callers from 02 8271 9815 Say
The robocall from 02 8271 9815 identifies itself as Australian Border Control and instructs recipients to press 1. This is a classic automated scam pattern designed to engage victims and collect information about whether the phone line is actively monitored. One contributor also noted the caller mentioned capability to speak Mandarin, which may be used to target specific demographic groups or add perceived legitimacy to the impersonation.
These press-1 prompts are deliberately vague about the alleged issue, allowing scammers to adapt their follow-up pitch based on the victim's response. Once a victim presses 1, they may be transferred to a live operator who could claim there is an immigration issue, customs hold, or warrant requiring immediate action.
Call Patterns and Timing
Both reports from 02 8271 9815 arrived within hours of each other in early December 2025. The calls were answered by contributors, suggesting the robocall was successfully reaching live recipients. The use of an automated system calling from 0282719815 indicates this may be part of a broader campaign rather than an isolated incident.
What to Do If You Receive a Call from 02 8271 9815
If 02 8271 9815 calls you:
- Do not: Press any number, answer questions, or stay on the line to hear the full message
- Do not: Provide personal information, passport details, visa status, or payment information
- Do: Hang up immediately when you recognise an automated or suspicious voice
- Do: Block 0282719815 in your phone settings to prevent future calls
- Do: Verify any border-related claims independently by contacting the Department of Home Affairs directly using their official website or a phone number you find yourself (never use a number provided by the caller)
How to Report 02 8271 9815
If you receive a call from 02 8271 9815 or 0282719815, report it to the following Australian government agencies:
- ACMA (Australian Communications and Media Authority): Report robocalls and scams at acma.gov.au
- Scamwatch: Lodge a detailed report at scamwatch.gov.au, including the time of call, what was said, and any follow-up contact
- Department of Home Affairs: If the call impersonated border or immigration services, report it directly at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
- ReportCyber: For cybercrime-related scams, submit a report at cyber.gov.au
- Reverseau: Contribute your experience to help other Australians identify this number by adding a community report
Help others by sharing your experience with (02) 8271 9815!
WRITE A REVIEWRatings Distribution
What Our Users Reviewed
Mentioned they could speak Mandarin, not much info
Robot call from Australian Border Control asking me to press 1
Help others by sharing your experience with (02) 8271 9815!
WRITE A REVIEWFrequently Asked Questions
Is 02 8271 9815 a real Australian Border Control number?
No. The Department of Home Affairs does not conduct immigration inquiries via automated robocalls asking you to press 1. If 0282719815 calls claiming to be from Australian Border Control, it is impersonation. Legitimate government agencies will contact you through official channels and can be verified by calling their published phone numbers directly.
What happens if I press 1 on a call from 0282719815?
Pressing 1 confirms to the scammer that your phone number is active and monitored. This typically connects you to a live operator who will then attempt to manipulate you into revealing personal information, passport details, or payment information by claiming there is an urgent border or customs issue. Hang up immediately instead.
Why did the caller from 02 8271 9815 mention speaking Mandarin?
This is a targeting tactic. Scammers often reference language capabilities to appear legitimate or to specifically target speakers of that language who may be less familiar with Australian government procedures. This detail does not make the call genuine - it is part of the impersonation strategy used by 0282719815.
How can I verify if Australian Border Control is trying to contact me?
Do not use any phone number provided by the caller. Instead, hang up and contact the Department of Home Affairs directly using the phone number listed on their official website (homeaffairs.gov.au). You can also log into your myGov account to check for any genuine immigration matters. Never trust caller ID alone, as 02 8271 9815 or 0282719815 can appear to show legitimate-looking numbers.
Should I block 02 8271 9815?
Yes. Block 0282719815 immediately using your phone's native blocking feature. After blocking, report the number to ACMA at acma.gov.au and Scamwatch at scamwatch.gov.au to help prevent other Australians from being targeted by this robocall.
Can I get in trouble for hanging up on an Australian Border Control call?
No. Legitimate government agencies will not penalise you for hanging up on an unsolicited call, especially an automated robocall. If there is a genuine immigration matter, you will receive official written communication or can check your myGov account. Calls from 02 8271 9815 claiming to be Australian Border Control are fraudulent and should always be terminated immediately.