- Suspicious
Community report for 03 7058 0953 (0370580953): Caller impersonated AFP claiming stolen passport. Victoria-based number flagged as impersonation scam.
AFP Impersonation Report for 03 7058 0953
One contributor has reported receiving a call from 03 7058 0953 (also written as 0370580953) in which the caller claimed to represent the Australian Federal Police (AFP). The caller alleged that the recipient's passport had been stolen, a tactic designed to create urgency and distress. The contributor noted the call seemed suspicious and reported it as impersonation.
This Victoria-based number allocated to Symbio Networks is being tracked for impersonation activity. AFP impersonation calls represent a significant scam vector in Australia, as they exploit trust in law enforcement authority to manipulate targets into providing personal information or making immediate payments.
What the Caller from 03 7058 0953 Claimed
According to the community report, the caller from 0370580953 stated they were contacting about a stolen passport. This is a common opening used in impersonation scams because:
- Passport theft creates immediate anxiety
- It implies legal or identity documentation consequences
- It pressures targets to act quickly without verification
- It may lead to requests for personal identity details or document copies
The contributor's instinct that 03 7058 0953 "seemed dodgy" is a crucial detail - legitimate AFP communications follow formal protocols and do not typically initiate contact via unsolicited calls about stolen documents. The AFP conducts investigations through official channels, not surprise phone calls.
What to Do If You Receive a Call from 03 7058 0953
If 0370580953 or a similar number calls claiming to be from the AFP:
- Do not: Answer questions about your passport, provide identification details, or confirm your address
- Do not: Return the call to the number provided - scammers may have spoofed the caller ID
- Do: Hang up immediately without engaging further
- Do: Contact the AFP directly using the official number on their website (afp.gov.au) if you have genuine concerns about your passport
- Do: Block 03 7058 0953 on your phone to prevent repeated contact
- Do: Report the call to the authorities if the caller became aggressive or demanding
How to Report 03 7058 0953
If you receive a similar call from 0370580953 or believe you have been contacted by this number:
- Report to Scamwatch: scamwatch.gov.au - document the caller's claims and your response
- Report to the ACMA: acma.gov.au - lodge a complaint about the impersonation attempt and number
- Report to the AFP: afp.gov.au - if the caller made threats or specific criminal allegations
- Report on Reverseau: Share your experience with 03 7058 0953 to help other Australians identify and avoid this number
Understanding Impersonation Scams in Victoria
The 03 area code indicates a Victoria-based number, though the actual caller location may differ due to spoofing technology. Impersonation scams targeting Victorians frequently claim AFP affiliation because law enforcement carries credibility. Contributors should be aware that:
- Government agencies do not initiate calls about urgent legal matters without prior written notification
- Requests for immediate action or personal information are strong scam indicators
- Scammers may reference real incidents or claim access to official databases to sound credible
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WRITE A REVIEWRatings Distribution
What Our Users Reviewed
Called claiming to be from the AFP about a stolen passport, seemed dodgy
Help others by sharing your experience with (03) 7058 0953!
WRITE A REVIEWFrequently Asked Questions
Why would someone claim to be from the AFP about a stolen passport?
Impersonation scammers use AFP authority to create fear and urgency. By claiming your passport has been stolen, they pressure you to act quickly without verifying their identity. The report about 03 7058 0953 shows this exact tactic. Real AFP communications about identity matters always include official reference numbers and direct you to verify through afp.gov.au, never request immediate personal details over the phone.
Should I call back 03 7058 0953 to verify if it was legitimate?
No. Do not call back 0370580953. Scammers may have spoofed a real phone number or added it to their dialling list for callback scams. If you are concerned about a passport issue, contact the AFP directly using the official number on afp.gov.au, or contact the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade through their verified channels.
What should I do if 03 7058 0953 calls again?
Block the number immediately on your phone. If 0370580953 calls multiple times, report it to the ACMA at acma.gov.au as harassment or impersonation. Document the dates and times of calls. Provide this information when reporting to Scamwatch or the AFP.
Could this be a legitimate AFP investigation?
The contributor who received the call from 03 7058 0953 was right to be suspicious. The AFP does not initiate investigations into stolen passports via unsolicited calls. If the AFP needs to contact you, they use official letterhead, verified phone numbers from afp.gov.au, and provide formal reference details. They do not call and immediately claim your documents are missing.
Where can I verify if my passport has actually been stolen?
Contact the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade directly through their official website, or visit an Australian passport office in person. Do not use contact details provided by the caller from 0370580953. If your passport is lost or stolen, you must lodge a report in person - this is never done by phone.
Why is 03 7058 0953 Victoria-based if it's a scam?
The number 03 7058 0953 (0370580953) is allocated to a Victoria-based provider, but this does not mean the scammer is physically located in Victoria. Scammers spoof or purchase numbers in different regions to appear local and legitimate. The impersonation report about this number shows the caller was not actually from the AFP, regardless of the geographic area code.