- Uncertain
Community reports for 03 9022 8796 (0390228796): Contributors describe repeated missed calls 3-4 times weekly with spoofed 61390 numbers and no answer on callback.
Repeated Calls and Callback Lure Pattern for 03 9022 8796
Contributors have reported a persistent pattern of repeated missed calls from 03 9022 8796 (also written as 0390228796). The calls arrive at a frequency of 3-4 times per week, and notably, mobile phones automatically disconnect after 4 seconds, preventing the call from fully connecting. This appears intentional - when recipients attempt to call back, no one answers.
What makes this pattern suspicious is the spoofing technique involved. All calls originate with numbers starting with 61390, which is the international dialling code (61) followed by the Melbourne area code (390). The final digits change with each call, suggesting the caller is cycling through variations of the same base number to evade blocking or appear as different callers.
The Callback Lure Tactic with 0390228796
This behaviour is consistent with a callback lure scam. The strategy works like this: repeated missed calls provoke curiosity or concern, encouraging the recipient to call back. When 03 9022 8796 does not answer, the caller has achieved the primary goal - getting the number called back, which confirms the line is active and the person is responsive. This information is then sold or used for targeting in subsequent scam campaigns.
The 4-second disconnect is not accidental. It's designed to ensure the call registers as missed without allowing a conversation, maximising the chance the recipient will attempt a callback. A contributor noted receiving these calls so frequently that their mobile's automatic cut-off became the default outcome.
Report Patterns and Timing for 03 9022 8796
Both reports describe the same activity, indicating this is a sustained campaign rather than a one-off. The frequency of 3-4 calls per week per recipient suggests either a large-scale robocall operation or active targeting of a specific number. The use of spoofed variations starting with 61390 means each call may appear distinct to the recipient's phone, making it harder to block or recognise as part of a coordinated pattern.
The local service allocation to VIC and the Melbourne-based 390 prefix suggest the spoofing is designed to appear locally relevant, potentially to increase the likelihood of answering or callback.
What to Do If You Receive Calls from 03 9022 8796
If 0390228796 or similar 61390-prefixed variations call you:
- Do not: Return the call, even if curious about who is calling. Callback is the scammer's objective.
- Do: Let missed calls go to voicemail. If voicemail is left, listen for legitimate context (appointment confirmation, delivery notification, account alert).
- Do: Block the number immediately after the first call. Most mobiles allow blocking of entire number patterns - check your phone settings for prefix-based blocking of 61390 variants.
- Do: If the pattern continues with different final digits, contact your mobile provider to request filtering of spoofed local numbers or 61390-prefixed calls.
- Do not: Share your number or confirm you answered if you accidentally pick up. Hang up immediately.
How to Report 03 9022 8796
Callback lure campaigns affect many Australians, and reporting helps authorities track the pattern:
- ACMA (Australian Communications and Media Authority): Report the number and spoofing tactic to acma.gov.au. Include specific details about the 61390 spoofing pattern and the 4-second disconnect behaviour.
- Scamwatch: Lodge a report at scamwatch.gov.au with details of the repeated calls and callback lure attempt. Include the frequency (3-4 per week) and the spoofing pattern.
- Your mobile provider: Contact them directly to report the repeated calls and request enhanced filtering or blocking of the number and prefix variants.
- Reverseau: Contribute your experience to the community on Reverseau so other Australians can recognise and block this pattern.
Help others by sharing your experience with (03) 9022 8796!
WRITE A REVIEWRatings Distribution
What Our Users Reviewed
I have had so many of these calls that my mobile cuts off after 4 seconds. All starting with 61390XXXXXX all different numbers at the end. No-one answers if you call back, but the constant calls at least 3-4 times a week is annoying.
I have had so many of these calls that my mobile cuts off after 4 seconds. All starting with 61390XXXXXX all different numbers at the end. No-one answers if you call back, but the constant calls at least 3-4 times a week is annoying.
Help others by sharing your experience with (03) 9022 8796!
WRITE A REVIEWFrequently Asked Questions
Why do calls from 03 9022 8796 disconnect after 4 seconds?
The 4-second disconnect is intentional. It ensures the call registers as a missed call without connecting, encouraging the recipient to call back. Callback is the scammer's objective. When you attempt to return the call to 0390228796, you confirm your number is active and monitored, which is then used for targeting in future scams.
What does the 61390 prefix mean if calls are spoofed?
The 61390 prefix uses the international code (61) plus Melbourne's area code (390). Scammers use this to make calls appear locally sourced and legitimate. When 03 9022 8796 spoofs with variations like 61390XXXXXX, each version looks like a different local number, making it harder for you to recognise the pattern and block it effectively.
Should I call back if I miss a call from 0390228796?
No. Do not call back. This is exactly what the scammer wants. Calling back to 0390228796 (or spoofed variations starting with 61390) confirms your number is active and responsive, and this information is valuable to scammers. Let all missed calls from this number go to voicemail.
How can I block calls from 03 9022 8796 and similar spoofed numbers?
Block 0390228796 directly in your phone's contacts or call-blocking app. Many phones also allow you to block calls by prefix - you can often set up blocking for numbers starting with 61390 to catch the spoofed variants. Contact your mobile provider to ask if they offer network-level filtering for spoofed local numbers.
Why are there so many calls from numbers starting with 61390?
Callback lure scammers use spoofed variations of the same base number to evade blocking and to make it appear as though you're receiving calls from multiple different callers. By cycling through final digits, they ensure that even if you block 03 9022 8796, similar numbers get through. This is a known tactic to maximise the number of callback attempts.
What should I do if I accidentally answer a call from 0390228796?
Hang up immediately. Do not engage, do not confirm you are there, and do not ask questions. Simply end the call. If you answered, assume your number is now flagged as active and expect follow-up attempts from this number or similar spoofed variations starting with 61390. Block the number right after.