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02 9099 8940 (0290998940): Automated robocall impersonating Department of Home Affairs in English and Mandarin, falsely claiming visa filing issues and requesting personal information.
Home Affairs Impersonation Robocall from 02 9099 8940
A contributor has reported receiving an automated robocall from 02 9099 8940 (also written as 0290998940) impersonating the Department of Home Affairs. The recorded message was delivered in both English and Mandarin, claiming the recipient needed to file urgent documentation regarding their visa status. The caller's claim was false - the contributor's visa had been sorted for years and was current.
This type of impersonation attack specifically targets visa holders and international residents who may be less familiar with Australian government processes, using language diversity to increase the impression of legitimacy. The robocall format combined with Home Affairs impersonation is a known tactic to bypass caller identification and make the attack appear institutional.
What the Robocall from 02 9099 8940 Says
The automated message from 0290998940 instructed the recipient to file documentation with the Department of Home Affairs, creating artificial urgency around their visa status. The use of both English and Mandarin suggests this campaign targets multicultural communities, particularly recent arrivals or temporary visa holders unfamiliar with how genuine Home Affairs communications work.
The message requested personal information as part of the filing process - a critical red flag since legitimate government agencies never request sensitive details via unsolicited calls or recorded messages. The Department of Home Affairs communicates important visa matters through official channels, government portals, or physical mail - never through automated robocalls.
Report Details and Pattern
The single report about 02 9099 8940 came through as a call that was answered, suggesting the contributor picked up before recognising the threat. The robocall nature of this attack means it likely targets many recipients simultaneously across NSW, where this local Symbio Networks number is allocated. The combination of automated delivery, language options, and impersonation of a major government department indicates a coordinated campaign rather than isolated misdial.
What to Do If You Receive a Call from 02 9099 8940
If 02 9099 8940 calls you:
- Do not: Answer if the number is unknown, engage with the recorded message, press any keypad options, or provide any personal information
- Do not: Return the call, click any links sent via follow-up SMS, or visit websites mentioned in the message
- Do: Hang up immediately when you recognise an automated message claiming to be from government
- Do: Block 0290998940 on your phone to prevent repeated contact
- Do: Verify any visa concerns directly with the Department of Home Affairs via the official website immi.homeaffairs.gov.au or by calling their official number (not a number the caller provided)
- Do: Remember that genuine Home Affairs communications come via your registered contact details on file, never through cold robocalls
How to Report 02 9099 8940
Report this robocall through these Australian government channels:
- Scamwatch: Report the impersonation and false visa claims at scamwatch.gov.au - this helps build awareness of Home Affairs spoofing campaigns
- ACMA (Australian Communications and Media Authority): File a complaint about the robocall at acma.gov.au - automated calling without consent is heavily regulated
- Department of Home Affairs: Notify them directly at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au that scammers are impersonating their agency
- ReportCyber: If you clicked any links or provided information, report it at cyber.gov.au
- Reverseau: Add your report about 02 9099 8940 to help other Australians recognise this number and tactic
Why Robocalls Are Dangerous
Automated calls from 0290998940 pose specific risks because they scale easily to many targets, bypass caller identification systems, and create the false impression of institutional legitimacy. Government impersonation robocalls are particularly damaging to visa holders and recent migrants who may be unfamiliar with how Australian agencies actually operate. The bilingual delivery of the 02 9099 8940 message suggests deliberate targeting of non-English-speaking communities.
Help others by sharing your experience with (02) 9099 8940!
WRITE A REVIEWRatings Distribution
What Our Users Reviewed
Mechanical noise then hung up on me, weird, blocked it
Automated message in English and Mandarin saying I gotta file stuff with the Department of Home Affairs, but my visa's been sorted for ages
Help others by sharing your experience with (02) 9099 8940!
WRITE A REVIEWFrequently Asked Questions
Will the Department of Home Affairs actually call me about visa issues?
No. Genuine Home Affairs communications about visa matters come through your registered email, your myGov account, or official mail - never through unsolicited robocalls like the one from 02 9099 8940 (0290998940). If you're worried about your visa status, log into your myGov account or contact Home Affairs directly via immi.homeaffairs.gov.au using a number you find independently, not one provided by a caller.
What should I do if I already gave information to the 02 9099 8940 caller?
If you provided personal details to 0290998940 before realising it was a scam, monitor your accounts for unauthorised activity, consider placing a fraud alert with your bank, and report the incident to ReportCyber at cyber.gov.au. If the caller obtained your passport details or visa information, contact the Department of Home Affairs directly to flag potential identity misuse.
Why is the robocall from 02 9099 8940 in multiple languages?
The use of both English and Mandarin on 0290998940 is deliberate targeting. Scammers use multilingual robocalls to reach multicultural communities, particularly temporary visa holders who may be less familiar with authentic government communication styles. It creates a false sense of inclusivity and legitimacy.
Can I block 02 9099 8940 on my phone?
Yes. Add 0290998940 to your blocked numbers list in your phone's settings. Most modern phones allow you to block specific numbers or report them as spam directly. If 02 9099 8940 continues calling from different variations, ask your phone provider about call filtering services.
Is this number actually from the Department of Home Affairs?
No. The number 02 9099 8940 (0290998940) is allocated to Symbio Networks in NSW and is being misused for impersonation. Scammers spoof or use unrelated phone numbers to make their calls appear legitimate. The Department of Home Affairs does not use this number for communications.
What makes 02 9099 8940 a robocall rather than a regular scam call?
A robocall from 0290998940 is automated - you hear a pre-recorded message in English and Mandarin rather than a live person. Robocalls are typically used to scale scams across thousands of targets simultaneously, making them more dangerous. They're also illegal in Australia without prior express consent from recipients.