- Unknown
- Spam
- Scam
Community reports for 03 8517 8216 (0385178216): Silent calls and repeated electricity scam pitch. Victoria-based Telstra local number.
Silent Calls and Electricity Scam Reports for 03 8517 8216
Three contributors have reported suspicious activity from 03 8517 8216 (also written as 0385178216), a Victoria-based local number allocated to Telstra. The pattern indicates a combination of silent calls and repeated electricity utility scams, suggesting potential automated or semi-automated calling infrastructure.
One contributor answered a call from 03 8517 8216 that immediately disconnected without any message or introduction. A second report describes similar behaviour where the number called but left no voicemail, while a third contributor experienced repeated calls using an identical electricity scam pitch each time.
What Callers from 03 8517 8216 Do
Reports about 0385178216 indicate two distinct calling patterns. Silent calls from 03 8517 8216 suggest either robocall infrastructure testing, automated dialler systems checking live numbers, or deliberate hang-up tactics. Contributors who answered reported immediate disconnection with no opportunity to hear a caller voice or message.
When 03 8517 8216 does connect, the caller uses a consistent electricity scam pitch delivered repeatedly. This uniformity across multiple calls suggests a scripted operation rather than individual caller variation, typical of organised scam campaigns targeting Australian households.
Call Patterns and Timing
Reports span early morning and mid-morning hours across consecutive days (5-10 November 2025). The electricity scam caller from 03 8517 8216 uses repetition as a tactic, contacting the same recipient multiple times with identical messaging. This persistence pattern differs from one-off silent calls, suggesting the operator maintains targeting lists and cycles through them.
The Victoria-based allocation to Telstra appears legitimate on the surface, which may increase answer rates from unsuspecting recipients. However, the combination of silent calls followed by repeated scam pitches indicates the number is being used as part of a coordinated campaign rather than genuine Telstra customer service.
What to Do If You Receive a Call from 03 8517 8216
If 03 8517 8216 calls you:
- Do not: Engage with claims about electricity bills, debt, or service disconnections; provide personal details; return the call; or stay on the line during silent calls
- Do: Hang up immediately, block the number in your phone settings, and let repeated calls go to voicemail
- If the caller claims to represent your electricity provider: End the call and contact your actual provider directly using the phone number on your bill or their official website
- Report repeated calls: If 03 8517 8216 contacts you multiple times, this indicates you are on a targeting list and should be reported immediately
How to Report 03 8517 8216
Report this number and your experience to Australian authorities:
- Scamwatch: scamwatch.gov.au - report electricity utility scams and silent call campaigns
- ACMA (Australian Communications and Media Authority): acma.gov.au - report the number for potential breach of telemarketing regulations and silent call violations
- Do Not Call Register: donotcall.gov.au - lodge a complaint about repeated unsolicited calls from 03 8517 8216
- Your electricity provider: Report the impersonation directly to ensure they are aware of the scam using their name
- Reverseau: Share your report about 0385178216 to help other Australians identify this number and protect your community
Help others by sharing your experience with (03) 8517 8216!
WRITE A REVIEWRatings Distribution
What Our Users Reviewed
Called but hung up without leaving a message
Called but no voicemail left
Electricity scammers calling repeatedly, same pitch each time
Help others by sharing your experience with (03) 8517 8216!
WRITE A REVIEWFrequently Asked Questions
Why did 03 8517 8216 call and hang up immediately?
One contributor answered a call from 03 8517 8216 only to have the caller disconnect without speaking. This silent call pattern suggests either automated dialler testing to verify live numbers, or deliberate hang-ups to trigger return calls to a premium number. Do not call back 0385178216 if you receive a silent call.
What is the electricity scam pitch from 03 8517 8216?
A contributor reported receiving repeated calls from 03 8517 8216 using an identical electricity utility scam pitch delivered multiple times. The caller used the same message each time, indicating a scripted campaign. Never provide account details or payment information in response to unsolicited calls claiming to be from your electricity provider, including calls from 0385178216.
How can I stop repeated calls from 03 8517 8216?
Block 03 8517 8216 in your phone's contact or call-blocking settings immediately after the first call. If the number persists or uses variations, report it to the Do Not Call Register at donotcall.gov.au and to ACMA at acma.gov.au. Scammers often cycle through similar numbers, so continued reporting helps identify the campaign.
Is 03 8517 8216 a real Telstra number?
The number 0385178216 is allocated to Telstra as a Victoria-based local service, which gives it apparent legitimacy. However, legitimate companies do not use silent calls or repeated identical scam pitches. Scammers exploit real number allocations to bypass caller ID filtering. Always verify by hanging up and calling your provider directly using the number on your official bill.
Why do scammers use silent calls before the electricity scam?
Silent calls from numbers like 03 8517 8216 serve multiple purposes: testing which numbers are active and answered by real people, triggering return calls, and conditioning recipients to expect communication. Once identified as active, your number may be passed to the electricity scam team for repeated targeting using the same pitch.
What should I do if 03 8517 8216 mentioned a specific debt amount or disconnection threat?
Do not acknowledge the claim or provide any information. End the call immediately and contact your electricity provider directly using the contact details on your bill or their official website. Threatening disconnection or claiming specific debts in unsolicited calls from 0385178216 is a classic scam tactic designed to pressure fast action.