- Uncertain
- Unknown
- Legit
- Suspicious
02 9737 4039 (0297374039) is identified as Shortland Correctional Centre's inmate calling system. Community reports clarify this is legitimate prison infrastructure, not a scam.
Shortland Correctional Centre Inmate Calling System
02 9737 4039 (also written as 0297374039) is the inmate calling number for Shortland Correctional Centre in NSW. Three contributors have reported on this number, with two clearly identifying it as legitimate prison infrastructure rather than a scam or suspicious activity.
One contributor with direct experience inside correctional facilities provided detailed technical information about the calling system. According to this report, 02 9737 4039 routes calls through the GTL system, which manages all inmate phone communications to family and the outside world across Australian correctional facilities. All calls made from 0297374039 are recorded as a security measure to prevent contraband entry.
Why You Cannot Call This Number Back
A key point of confusion about 02 9737 4039 is that recipients cannot return the call. This is by design - the number is one-directional infrastructure used only by inmates inside Shortland Correctional Centre to contact people outside. If you receive a call from 0297374039, the inmate must initiate any future contact; you cannot call back the number to reach them.
Audio Glitches and Technical Issues
Some contributors reported unusual sounds during calls from 02 9737 4039, including high-pitched noises and audio glitches. The contributor with correctional facility experience explained these occur for specific technical reasons within the GTL system. Audio disruption happens when correctional officers monitor calls in real time, or when multiple inmates use the phone system simultaneously - which typically occurs after 3 PM when inmates are locked in their cells. The contributor also noted that the GTL system's tablet-based interface sometimes experiences Wi-Fi connection failures, which generates additional audio artifacts during calls.
What to Do If You Receive a Call from 02 9737 4039
If 0297374039 calls you:
- Do: Answer if you know someone incarcerated at Shortland Correctional Centre and expect their call
- Do: Understand the call is recorded as per correctional facility protocol
- Do: Be aware you cannot dial this number back - the inmate must call you again
- Don't: Assume the call is a scam or prank based on the caller ID alone
- Don't: Attempt to reach this number directly if you need to contact an inmate - use Shortland Correctional Centre's official inmate contact procedures
Clarifying Confusion Around This Number
02 9737 4039 has occasionally been misidentified online as a scam or suspicious number, likely because recipients don't immediately recognise it as a correctional facility system. The three community reports about 0297374039 show a clear pattern: one initial report labelled it suspicious due to unfamiliarity, one contributor reasonably guessed it might be a wrong number from a prison, and a third contributor with direct correctional system knowledge provided comprehensive clarification that this is 100% legitimate infrastructure operated by Shortland Correctional Centre.
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WRITE A REVIEWRatings Distribution
What Our Users Reviewed
Call labelled 'inmate calling', not sure if prank or real
Number is not scam - it's probably a wrong number called by an inmate at a correctional facility - you will not be able to call it back to find out who called.
No this is actually the stupidest shit iv ever read on the internet to the point that it's actually hurting my head.. ITS 100% IN FACT AN INMATE FROM SHORTLAND CORRECTIONAL CENTRE. I KNOW THIS AS FACT AS I ANSWER THE CALLS A FEW TIMES A DAY (I was in jail for nearly 3years so the following is fact)
The GTL SYSTEM is the phone call system that ALL jails run there calls for inmates through to there familys and outside world and ALL calls are recorded (to make sure no drugs ect come in pretty much)
You can't call the number back because it's a jail simple as that. You have to wait for them (the inmate) to ring you back.
Them high pitched noises and glitches are because when the officers try to listen to your call live it glitches out OR it also happens when there is a lot of inmates on the phone (GTL system) all at once (usually after 3 pm wen we all get locked into our cells is when this would occur) and sumtimes it's simply cos the wifi connection to GTL system fails on the new tablets we get now in there now after lock-in.
NOW ENOUGH OF YOUR CONSPERICY SCAM BULLSHIT AND HAVE A NICE. DAY EVERYBODY.
#THEMOREYOUKNOW.
I don't answer calls from unrecognised numbers, but the voice message indicated it was a call from the Shortland Correctional Facility. Block.
Inmate call from Shortland Correctional Centre Cessnock.
This number is trash. Had a missed call, called it back and got a voice over that said “This is not a valid number”.
They called again half hour later and when I answered all that was on the other end was a long, weird, high pitched tone/sound.
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WRITE A REVIEWFrequently Asked Questions
Is 02 9737 4039 a scam?
No. 0297374039 is the inmate calling system for Shortland Correctional Centre in NSW. A contributor with direct experience in correctional facilities confirmed this is legitimate infrastructure used by inmates to contact family and others outside the facility. All calls are routed through the GTL phone system operated by the prison.
Why are there strange noises during calls from 02 9737 4039?
Audio glitches on calls from 0297374039 occur due to the GTL system's technical operation. According to a contributor familiar with the system, glitches happen when correctional officers monitor calls in real time, when multiple inmates are using the phone system simultaneously (usually after 3 PM), or when the system experiences Wi-Fi connection issues on the tablets used by inmates.
Can I call 0297374039 back?
No. The number 02 9737 4039 is one-directional - it can only be used by inmates inside Shortland Correctional Centre to call out. You cannot dial it back. If you need to contact an inmate, you must use the correctional facility's official contact procedures.
Who is calling from 02 9737 4039?
An inmate at Shortland Correctional Centre is calling from 0297374039. If you received an unexpected call, it may be a wrong number - the inmate may have dialled an incorrect number while attempting to reach their intended contact.
Are calls from 02 9737 4039 recorded?
Yes. All calls from 0297374039 are recorded as part of Shortland Correctional Centre's security protocol. Recording helps prevent contraband and other security breaches within the facility.
Why can't I reach Shortland Correctional Centre through 02 9737 4039?
02 9737 4039 (0297374039) is solely an outbound calling system used by inmates inside the facility. To contact Shortland Correctional Centre directly or to reach an inmate, you need to use the facility's official contact number and procedures, which are available through NSW Corrective Services.