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One report of a caller impersonating Australian Federal Police cyber crime unit targeting 03 9058 1816 (0390581816) to steal personal information.
AFP Impersonation Reports for 03 9058 1816
A contributor has reported receiving a scam call from 03 9058 1816 (also written as 0390581816) where the caller impersonated an officer from the Australian Federal Police cyber crime unit. The caller's primary objective was to extract personal information from the recipient, a common tactic used in identity theft and financial fraud schemes.
This number is allocated to Optus Networks in Victoria, though legitimate allocation does not guarantee legitimate use - phone numbers can be spoofed or misused regardless of their registered provider.
What the Caller from 03 9058 1816 Claimed
The contributor reported that the caller had an English accent and presented themselves as being from the AFP cyber crime division. Rather than investigating a specific criminal matter or requesting cooperation on a genuine case, the caller attempted to manipulate the recipient into disclosing personal information. This approach mirrors known AFP impersonation scams where fraudsters exploit the authority and credibility of law enforcement to bypass a person's natural suspicion.
The fact that the caller answered when the recipient picked up suggests this was not a robocall, but rather a live scammer operating from 0390581816 or spoofing this number as their caller ID.
How AFP Impersonation Scams Work
When callers impersonate the AFP, they typically claim to be investigating cyber crimes, data breaches, or fraud affecting the recipient's bank account or identity. They create urgency by suggesting immediate action is required, then request bank details, passwords, tax file numbers, or other sensitive information under the guise of "protecting" the victim's accounts. Once personal data is obtained, it can be used for identity fraud, unauthorised transactions, or sold to other criminals.
The use of 03 9058 1816 in a Victoria-based scam aligns with the tendency for fraudsters to use local area codes to increase answer rates and appear more legitimate.
What to Do If You Receive a Call from 03 9058 1816
If 03 9058 1816 calls you:
- Do not: Provide any personal information, bank details, passwords, or tax file numbers to the caller
- Do not: Confirm that information they already have is correct, even if it seems minor
- Do not: Follow any instructions to download software, visit websites, or open links they provide
- Do: Hang up immediately if the caller claims to be from the AFP or any government agency
- Do: Block the number 0390581816 on your phone to prevent future calls
- Do: Independently verify any AFP inquiry by calling the official AFP number on their website or your state police service directly - never use numbers the caller provides
How to Report 03 9058 1816
If you receive a call from 03 9058 1816 attempting to impersonate the AFP or extract personal information, report it through these official Australian channels:
- Scamwatch: Lodge a report at scamwatch.gov.au - this service is run by the ACCC and tracks scam patterns
- Australian Federal Police: Report the impersonation directly to the AFP at afp.gov.au or call 131 237
- ACMA: Report the call to the Australian Communications and Media Authority at acma.gov.au if you believe your number was spoofed
- Reverseau: Contribute your experience to this community report so others can identify the same scam
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Person with English accent making out to be from the Australian Federal Police cyber crime unit, looking to steal personal information
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WRITE A REVIEWFrequently Asked Questions
Is the number 03 9058 1816 really from the Australian Federal Police?
No. The AFP does not initiate contact by cold-calling members of the public and asking for personal information. If you receive a call from 03 9058 1816 claiming to be from the AFP, it is a scam. Genuine AFP officers will not ask for passwords, bank details, or tax file numbers over the phone. You can verify any legitimate AFP inquiry by calling the official AFP number independently.
Why would a scammer use 0390581816 to impersonate the AFP?
Scammers often use local phone numbers (like 03 area codes for Victoria) to make their calls appear legitimate and increase the chances that people will answer. The number 03 9058 1816 is actually registered to Optus Networks, which adds a layer of false credibility. However, modern phone spoofing technology allows criminals to display any number they choose as their caller ID, regardless of who actually owns it.
What personal information should I never give over the phone to someone claiming to be from 03 9058 1816 or any AFP officer?
Never provide your tax file number, bank account details, credit card information, passwords, PIN codes, Medicare number, driver's license number, passport details, or date of birth to anyone who calls you. The AFP will never ask for this information during an unsolicited call. If someone from 03 9058 1816 or any number asks for these details while claiming to be law enforcement, hang up and report it immediately.
What should I do if I already gave personal information to a caller from 0390581816?
Act quickly: Contact your bank immediately to alert them of potential fraud and place a freeze on your accounts if possible. Check your credit report for unauthorised applications. Report the call to Scamwatch at scamwatch.gov.au and to the AFP. Monitor your bank and credit accounts closely for suspicious activity. Consider placing a fraud alert with relevant financial institutions. If your tax file number or Medicare details were compromised, contact the relevant government agency.
How can I tell if a call claiming to be from the AFP is genuine?
The safest approach: Do not trust the caller ID or any information they provide verbally. If someone calls from 03 9058 1816 or any number claiming to be from the AFP, hang up politely and independently look up the AFP's official contact number on their website. Call that official number to verify whether an investigation involving you actually exists. Real law enforcement will never pressure you to provide information during an unsolicited call or act offended if you want to verify their identity independently.
Should I block 03 9058 1816 or 0390581816 after receiving this call?
Yes, you should block 03 9058 1816 immediately to prevent further calls. However, keep in mind that scammers often use different numbers for subsequent calls. Blocking one number provides relief from that specific caller but does not prevent others from using different spoofed numbers. Additionally, report the call to Scamwatch and the AFP so authorities are aware of the scam pattern using this number.