- Scam
02 8766 1856 (0287661856): One contributor reports repeated robocall with recorded message impersonating immigration services, using broken English and Australian accent.
Immigration Impersonation Robocall Reports for 02 8766 1856
A single contributor has reported calls from 02 8766 1856 (also written as 0287661856) claiming affiliation with immigration services. The defining characteristic of this number is the use of a recorded robocall with a distinctly robotic Australian accent delivering a message in broken English. The contributor noted the caller repeatedly reached out, with the automated message saying "we contact you many time" - itself a red flag for the repeated-contact pattern typical of scam operations.
The number is allocated to Symbio Networks in New South Wales, a local service provider. According to the report, the contributor found the broken English and artificial accent suspicious, suggesting the call was spoofed or routed through an automated system rather than a genuine immigration officer.
What the Recorded Message from 02 8766 1856 Says
The robocall from 0287661856 uses a pre-recorded message in broken English with an Australian accent, stating "we contact you many time." This phrasing is typical of scammers mimicking government agencies but lacking language refinement. The message does not appear to contain specific threats or financial demands based on the available report, but the repetition and impersonation are hallmarks of immigration-related scams targeting vulnerable migrants and visa holders.
The use of a recorded message rather than live caller interaction is a cost-saving measure for large-scale scam operations, allowing them to contact thousands of numbers with minimal staffing. The Australian accent in the recording suggests an attempt to appear locally legitimate, despite the broken English undercutting that credibility.
Call Patterns and Timing
The contributor reported multiple calls from 02 8766 1856, indicating a pattern of repeated contact attempts. The robocall nature of the calls from this number means the scammer is operating an automated dialling campaign, likely cycling through victim lists. The contributor's willingness to answer and listen to the recorded message suggests the call came through without obvious spoofing indicators on their phone display.
What to Do If You Receive a Call from 02 8766 1856
If 02 8766 1856 calls you:
- Do not: Provide personal information, visa details, passport numbers, or banking information; press numbers to "speak to an agent"; or call back the number
- Do: Hang up immediately when you hear the recorded message; block the number on your phone; and verify any immigration communication through the official Department of Home Affairs website or by calling the department directly using a number you find independently
- If repeated: Document the dates and times of calls from 0287661856, as patterns support official reports to authorities
How to Report 02 8766 1856
If you receive calls from 02 8766 1856 impersonating immigration services, report the incident through multiple channels:
- Scamwatch: Report the call at scamwatch.gov.au - include the date, time, and message content
- ACMA (Australian Communications and Media Authority): Report the robocall and suspected Symbio Networks involvement at acma.gov.au; ACMA monitors provider networks for scam activity
- Department of Home Affairs: For immigration impersonation specifically, contact the department at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au to report the fraudulent use of their name
- Reverseau: Contribute your experience with 0287661856 to help other Australians identify this number - community reports are the fastest way to spread awareness
Is 02 8766 1856 a Real Immigration Service Number
No. The Department of Home Affairs does not contact people via unsolicited robocalls with broken English messages. If you have a genuine immigration matter, the department will contact you through official channels (mail, email, or phone from verified government numbers) or you can initiate contact through immi.homeaffairs.gov.au or Services Australia. Never provide personal information based on an inbound call from an unknown number, even if it claims government affiliation.
Help others by sharing your experience with (02) 8766 1856!
WRITE A REVIEWRatings Distribution
What Our Users Reviewed
Yet again the Symbio based network hosts scammers, this time claiming to be something to do with immigration. The bot voice is hilarious: Australian accent speaking broken English "we contact you many time".
Help others by sharing your experience with (02) 8766 1856!
WRITE A REVIEWFrequently Asked Questions
Why does the robocall from 02 8766 1856 use such poor English?
The broken English and artificial accent are deliberate scam tactics. Scammers using robocalls prioritise cost-effective automation over quality impersonation. The contributor who received calls from 0287661856 noted the message "we contact you many time" was clearly non-native English, which is actually a warning sign. Legitimate government agencies use professional communication in clear, proper English.
What should I do if 0287661856 calls me multiple times?
Document each call from 02 8766 1856 with the date and time. After the first call, block the number on your phone immediately. If calls from 0287661856 continue despite blocking, report them to ACMA at acma.gov.au and note that the provider is Symbio Networks - repeated calls after blocking may indicate network spoofing. Do not engage with subsequent robocalls.
Is Symbio Networks involved in the scam targeting 02 8766 1856?
The number 02 8766 1856 is legitimately allocated to Symbio Networks as a local service provider. However, the number appears to have been compromised for scam purposes or is being spoofed. Legitimate Symbio customers do not send immigration impersonation robocalls. Report both the number and Symbio's involvement to ACMA so they can investigate whether the account is compromised or whether the scammer spoofed 0287661856.
What is a robocall and why are they used in scams?
A robocall is an automated recorded message dialled to many numbers simultaneously. Scammers use robocalls because they can contact thousands of people at once without hiring staff. The call from 02 8766 1856 used a recorded message in broken English impersonating immigration services. This automation makes robocalls cheap and scalable but also makes them difficult to trace, which is why reporting 0287661856 to authorities is important.
How do I verify if the Department of Home Affairs has contacted me legitimately?
The Department of Home Affairs never initiates unsolicited contact via robocalls like the one from 02 8766 1856. Legitimate contact comes via mail, email, or a live phone call from a verified government number. If you receive a call claiming to be from immigration, hang up and independently call the department using the number on their official website, immi.homeaffairs.gov.au. Never call back 0287661856 or numbers provided in unsolicited calls.
Why does the message from 0287661856 say 'we contact you many time'?
The phrase "we contact you many time" from the robocall on 02 8766 1856 serves two purposes: it creates urgency (suggesting repeated official attempts to reach you) and it demonstrates poor English, which reveals the scam. The contributor who received calls from this number recognised the broken grammar as suspicious. Legitimate government agencies would never use such phrasing; it is a deliberate scam technique to pressure victims into responding.