- Scam
02 8317 0766 (0283170766): Community report of automated robocall impersonating Australian Border Force claiming documents are waiting.
ABF Impersonation Robocall Reports for 02 8317 0766
A contributor has reported receiving an automated robocall from 02 8317 0766 (also written as 0283170766) impersonating the Australian Border Force. The caller delivered a pre-recorded message falsely claiming the recipient had documents waiting, a common tactic used to trick people into engaging with scammers or divulging personal information.
This type of impersonation is particularly concerning because it exploits trust in government authority. The use of robocall technology to deliver the fake ABF message suggests this is part of a broader automated campaign targeting multiple Australians simultaneously.
What the Robocall from 02 8317 0766 Claims
The automated message received from 0283170766 specifically stated that documents were waiting. This is a classic social engineering approach designed to create urgency and curiosity, prompting the recipient to take action such as pressing keys to "speak to an agent" or calling back a provided number.
The impersonation of Australian Border Force adds an extra layer of legitimacy to the scam attempt, as many Australians would feel compelled to respond to official-sounding government communications about documents or parcels.
Call Details and Technical Indicators
The call to 02 8317 0766 was answered and identified as robocall technology, meaning it used automated voice delivery rather than a live caller. The number is allocated to Symbio Networks Pty Ltd as a local service in New South Wales, though allocation does not confirm legitimacy - scammers routinely spoof or abuse legitimate carrier connections.
The use of automated messaging with ABF impersonation indicates a production-level scam operation rather than an isolated fraudster, given the infrastructure required to deploy robocalls at scale.
What to Do If You Receive a Call from 02 8317 0766
If 02 8317 0766 calls you:
- Do not: Press any keys to "speak to someone", respond to voice prompts, or return the call
- Do not: Provide any personal details, document numbers, passport information, or payment details
- Do: Hang up immediately and block the number
- Do: Contact Australian Border Force directly through their official website or phone number if you have genuine questions about documents or parcels
- Do: Verify any government communication independently by contacting the relevant agency directly using contact details from their official website
Robocalls impersonating government agencies like ABF typically rely on caller panic and urgency. Remember that legitimate Australian Border Force communications will not demand immediate action via automated messages.
How to Report 02 8317 0766
Report this robocall to the following Australian authorities:
- ACMA (Australian Communications and Media Authority): Report the robocall and impersonation at acma.gov.au
- Scamwatch: Lodge a report at scamwatch.gov.au with details of the call, time, and claimed message
- ReportCyber: If you've been compromised, report to cyber.gov.au
- Reverseau: Help other Australians by contributing your report on this number
Including the date, time, and exact words used in the automated message helps authorities track impersonation campaigns and take action against the operators.
Help others by sharing your experience with (02) 8317 0766!
WRITE A REVIEWRatings Distribution
What Our Users Reviewed
automated message pretending to be Australian Border Force saying I have documents waiting
Help others by sharing your experience with (02) 8317 0766!
WRITE A REVIEWFrequently Asked Questions
Is 02 8317 0766 a real Australian Border Force number?
No. The Australian Border Force does not contact people via unsolicited robocalls with generic messages about "documents waiting". If ABF needs to contact you about legitimate border matters, they will provide verifiable contact details. Never trust caller ID alone - scammers routinely spoof government numbers. If you're unsure, hang up and call ABF directly using the number on their official website.
What happens if I press a key to respond to the robocall from 0283170766?
Pressing keys in response to the automated message from 0283170766 typically connects you to a live scammer or marks your number as "active" in their system, leading to more robocalls. It also increases the risk that they will attempt to manipulate you into providing personal information or payment details under the guise of resolving the fake document issue.
Why do scammers impersonate the Australian Border Force?
Scammers impersonate ABF because the agency has authority over border security, immigration, and customs - topics that generate anxiety and urgency in victims. When a robocall from 02 8317 0766 claims you have documents waiting, it exploits that concern to bypass your caution. People are more likely to engage quickly with government-sounding messages than with obvious commercial pitches.
Should I call back the number shown on my caller ID for 02 8317 0766?
No. Do not call back 0283170766 or any number provided by the robocall. Scammers often manipulate caller ID (called "spoofing") so the number you see is not their actual number. Calling back serves no purpose and may connect you to the scammers. If you have concerns about a border-related matter, initiate contact with ABF independently using their official website contact details.
What personal information should I never share over a call from 02 8317 0766?
Never share passport numbers, visa details, visa expiry dates, date of birth, address, bank account details, credit card information, or tax file number. Legitimate ABF communications will not request sensitive information via unsolicited automated calls. If ABF needs to verify details, they will do so through secure official channels after you've initiated verified contact with them.
How can I block robocalls like the one from 0283170766?
Most modern mobile phones allow you to block numbers directly through your contacts or phone settings. You can also contact your phone provider about robocall blocking services - many Australian carriers offer free options. Additionally, you can register with the Do Not Call Register at donotcall.gov.au, though this may not stop illegal robocalls. Reporting repeat calls to ACMA at acma.gov.au creates a record that helps authorities track and shut down operations using 02 8317 0766 and similar spoofed numbers.