- Suspicious
One report for 02 8271 9819 (0282719819): automated robocall impersonating Border Force with poor audio quality and thick accent. NSW Optus number.
Border Force Impersonation Robocall on 02 8271 9819
A contributor received an automated call from 02 8271 9819 (also written as 0282719819) claiming to be from Australian Border Force. The caller used a robocall system with notably poor audio quality and a thick Chinese accent, which raised immediate suspicion about the call's legitimacy. This combination of impersonation and automated delivery is a common tactic used in scam campaigns targeting Australian residents.
The call to 0282719819 demonstrates the hallmarks of a border-related impersonation attempt. Scammers frequently spoof government agency numbers or use similar-sounding identifiers to create false authority, particularly around customs, border security, or parcel delivery claims. The use of an automated voice system with poor audio quality suggests this may be part of a wider robocall campaign rather than a targeted personal call.
What the Automated Caller from 02 8271 9819 Presented
The contributor who received the call from 02 8271 9819 noted that the automated message claimed to originate from Border Force. The poor audio quality, described as "sounding underwater," combined with a thick accent, made the message difficult to understand and heightened suspicion. These audio characteristics are typical of offshore-sourced robocall systems and indicate the call was unlikely to be from a legitimate Australian government agency.
Legitimate Border Force communications are typically clear, professional, and delivered through official channels. A robocall from 0282719819 with compromised audio quality and an accent inconsistent with official Australian government communications is a strong indicator of impersonation.
Call Details and Reporting Context
The call to 02 8271 9819 was received on 11 December 2025 through an answered call channel. The number is allocated to Optus Networks Pty Limited as a local service in New South Wales. The single report on file provides a clear snapshot of the impersonation and robocall tactics used on this number, though the limited reporting history does not indicate how widespread calls from 0282719819 may be.
What to Do If You Receive a Call from 02 8271 9819
If 02 8271 9819 calls you:
- Do not: Provide personal information, passport details, tax file number, or banking information. Do not press any numbers or follow any prompts from the automated system.
- Do: Hang up immediately if the audio quality is poor, the accent seems inconsistent with Australian government agencies, or you receive any unexpected claims about border issues, customs delays, or parcel holds.
- Verify independently: If you believe there may be a legitimate border or customs matter, contact the Australian Border Force directly through the official ABF website (abf.gov.au) rather than calling any number from the original message.
- Block the number: Add 02 8271 9819 to your phone's blocked numbers list to prevent future calls from 0282719819.
- Report suspicious calls: Document the date, time, and content of any call from this number for your records.
How to Report 02 8271 9819
Report this number and your experience through the following Australian government channels:
- ACMA (Australian Communications and Media Authority): Lodge a complaint about the robocall at acma.gov.au. This helps track patterns of automated scam calls across Australia.
- Scamwatch: Report the impersonation attempt at scamwatch.gov.au. The Scamwatch database helps other Australians identify similar scams.
- Reverseau: Contribute your report about 02 8271 9819 or 0282719819 to help other Australians identify this number. Community contributions strengthen protection for everyone.
- Do Not Call Register: If this is part of unwanted marketing, register your number at donotcall.gov.au to opt out of telemarketing calls.
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What Our Users Reviewed
Automated call from border force but the voice sounded underwater with thick Chinese accent, feels fishy
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WRITE A REVIEWFrequently Asked Questions
Why would a scammer impersonate Border Force when calling 02 8271 9819?
Border Force impersonation creates urgency and authority. Scammers use the claim of customs delays, parcel holds, or immigration issues to pressure victims into providing personal information or payment. The robocall from 02 8271 9819 likely aimed to reach multiple people quickly with minimal effort, typical of offshore scam operations.
Is 0282719819 a real Border Force number?
No. The contributor who received the call from 02 8271 9819 noted the poor audio quality, thick accent, and automated system as red flags. Legitimate Australian Border Force communications come through official channels with clear, professional audio. Never trust a number based on a call claiming to be from government agencies-always verify independently through official websites.
What should I do if I already gave information to the caller from 02 8271 9819?
Contact your bank immediately if you provided financial details. Monitor your accounts for unauthorised transactions. If you shared your date of birth, address, or other identity information, consider lodging a report with the ACMA (acma.gov.au) and Scamwatch (scamwatch.gov.au) so authorities can track the scam. You may also register with the Australian Identity Verification System to add extra security.
Can I block 02 8271 9819 on my phone?
Yes. Most Australian mobile phones allow you to block numbers in your call settings or through your provider. Add 0282719819 to your blocked list to prevent future calls. If you continue receiving calls from this number or similar numbers after blocking, contact your phone provider about additional spam filtering options.
Why was the audio quality so poor on the call from 0282719819?
Poor audio quality on the 02 8271 9819 call suggests it originated from an offshore robocall system using VoIP or compressed audio codecs. Legitimate Australian government agencies use professional telecommunications infrastructure with clear audio. If a call claiming to be from a government agency has underwater or distorted sound, it is almost certainly a scam.
Should I report this to Australian Border Force directly?
You can report the impersonation attempt to the ABF through their official website at abf.gov.au, but the primary reporting channel for robocalls and scams is the ACMA (acma.gov.au). Document the date and time you received the call from 02 8271 9819, the content of the message, and any details you remember, then submit your report through ACMA or Scamwatch (scamwatch.gov.au) to help protect other Australians.