- Scam
Community report for 02 9873 0713 (0298730713): Voicemail impersonating Department of Home Affairs claiming waiting documents with urgency tactics.
Department of Home Affairs Impersonation Report for 02 9873 0713
A contributor has reported receiving a voicemail from 02 9873 0713 (also written as 0298730713) falsely claiming to be from the Department of Home Affairs. The message referenced waiting documents and used urgency language to pressure the recipient into responding immediately. This type of impersonation targeting government agency credentials is a known scam tactic designed to exploit trust in official institutions.
The caller's strategy of leaving a voicemail rather than speaking directly is typical of impersonation scams, as it avoids real-time questioning and allows the scammer to craft a specific narrative. By mentioning documents without details, the message was designed to trigger curiosity and concern, compelling the recipient to call back.
What the Caller from 02 9873 0713 Claimed
According to the report, the voicemail from 0298730713 impersonated the Department of Home Affairs and claimed the recipient had waiting documents requiring urgent attention. No specific document type, visa status, or personal details were mentioned, which is consistent with scammer tactics that rely on vague claims to prompt callback responses.
The use of urgency in the message is a red flag. Legitimate government departments typically send formal written correspondence for document-related matters and do not use high-pressure voicemail tactics to solicit callbacks from unknown numbers.
Call Details and Reporting Channel
The call to 02 9873 0713 was received as a voicemail, indicating the contributor did not answer the live call. This is registered as a Telstra local service number in New South Wales. The fact that the caller left a detailed voicemail suggests a deliberate attempt to create a recorded message that could convince the recipient of legitimacy.
What to Do If You Receive a Call from 02 9873 0713
If 02 9873 0713 calls you:
- Do not: Call the number back, provide personal information, share visa details, or confirm your identity
- Do: Hang up immediately, block the number, and verify any claims directly with the Department of Home Affairs through official channels
- Verification step: If you believe you have pending documents, contact the Department of Home Affairs directly using the contact details from their official website (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au), never using a number provided in the voicemail
Government agencies will not pressure you via voicemail to return calls urgently or demand immediate action regarding documents.
How to Report 02 9873 0713
If you receive calls from 02 9873 0713 impersonating government agencies, report this activity to:
- Scamwatch: scamwatch.gov.au - Australia's official scam reporting service. Include the voicemail message details and date received
- ACMA (Australian Communications and Media Authority): acma.gov.au - Report telecommunications-based scams and illegal impersonation
- ReportCyber: cyber.gov.au - If you experienced financial loss or provided sensitive information
- Reverseau: You can also contribute your experience with 0298730713 to help other Australians identify this number
When reporting, include the exact wording from the voicemail if possible, the date and time received, and whether you called back or provided any information.
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Voicemail claiming to be from Department of Home Affairs about waiting documents
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WRITE A REVIEWFrequently Asked Questions
Is 02 9873 0713 really from the Department of Home Affairs?
No. The Department of Home Affairs does not use unsolicited voicemails to contact people about waiting documents. If you have a genuine matter with the Department of Home Affairs, they will send formal written correspondence or you can contact them directly via immi.homeaffairs.gov.au. The report for 02 9873 0713 confirms this is an impersonation scam.
What should I do if I already called back 0298730713?
If you called back 0298730713, do not provide any personal information if you haven't already. Hang up immediately and do not engage further. If you shared details like your name, date of birth, passport number, or visa information, contact the Department of Home Affairs directly via immi.homeaffairs.gov.au to verify whether your details are at risk. Monitor your accounts for suspicious activity.
Why do scammers impersonate government agencies like Department of Home Affairs?
Scammers use government impersonation because people are more likely to trust and respond to official-sounding agencies. By claiming 02 9873 0713 is from the Department of Home Affairs, the caller exploits people's respect for government institutions and concern about immigration matters. This makes victims more willing to call back or provide information.
How can I verify if I have actual pending documents with Home Affairs?
Never use the number from an unsolicited call or voicemail. Instead, log into your myGov account at my.gov.au (if you have a Home Affairs linked account) or visit immi.homeaffairs.gov.au directly to check your application status. You can also call the Department of Home Affairs using the official number listed on their website, not 0298730713 or any number from the voicemail.
Should I block 02 9873 0713?
Yes. After reporting the number to Scamwatch and ACMA, blocking 02 9873 0713 is a straightforward way to prevent further contact. Most mobile phones allow you to block numbers directly in the contacts or phone settings. Blocking does not interfere with legitimate calls from other numbers.
What makes the voicemail from 0298730713 a scam tactic?
The voicemail uses two classic scam tactics: impersonation (claiming to be Department of Home Affairs) and urgency (suggesting documents are waiting and implying time-sensitive action needed). Vague references to documents without specifics are designed to make you curious enough to call back. Legitimate government agencies do not use these pressure tactics.