- Scam
One contributor reported a robocall from 03 9316 9045 (0393169045) impersonating Australian Border Force, asking to press 1 for English or 2 for Chinese.
Australian Border Force Impersonation Reports for 03 9316 9045
A contributor has reported receiving a call from 03 9316 9045 (also written as 0393169045) claiming to be from Australian Border Force. The call employed a robocall format with an automated prompt asking the recipient to press 1 for English or 2 for Chinese. This is a common impersonation tactic used by scammers to appear legitimate and create urgency around border or customs matters.
The use of a language selection prompt is designed to appear official and increase credibility. However, legitimate Australian Border Force communications do not typically arrive as unsolicited automated calls asking for keypad responses. This number is registered as a local service with Telstra in Victoria.
What Callers from 03 9316 9045 Say
The robocall from 0393169045 uses an automated voice claiming affiliation with Australian Border Force and presents a language selection menu. By asking callers to choose between English and Chinese, the scammer creates an impression of a large, professional organisation handling routine administrative tasks. The goal is typically to keep the recipient on the line long enough to either extract personal information, direct them to a fake website, or transfer them to a live scammer posing as an official.
What to Do If You Receive a Call from 03 9316 9045
If 03 9316 9045 calls you:
- Do not: Press any buttons, stay on the line, or provide any personal information (name, date of birth, passport details, address)
- Do: Hang up immediately if the number is unknown
- Do: Block 0393169045 on your phone to prevent future calls
- Do: Verify any customs or border-related matter by calling Australian Border Force directly on their official number (not a number provided by the caller)
- Do: Remember that legitimate government agencies do not send unsolicited robocalls asking you to press buttons
How to Report 03 9316 9045
If you receive a robocall or scam call from 03 9316 9045, report it to the following Australian authorities:
- Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA): Report to acma.gov.au - ACMA tracks robocalls and scam numbers
- Scamwatch: Lodge a report at scamwatch.gov.au with details of the call, including what the caller claimed and whether you provided any information
- ReportCyber: If the call directed you to click a link or visit a website, report the cyber threat at cyber.gov.au
- Reverseau: Report your experience with 03 9316 9045 in our community to help other Australians identify this number
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What Our Users Reviewed
Claiming to be Aussie Border Force, asking to press 1 for English or 2 for Chinese
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WRITE A REVIEWFrequently Asked Questions
Is 03 9316 9045 a real government number?
No. The number 03 9316 9045 (0393169045) is being used by scammers to impersonate Australian Border Force. Legitimate government agencies do not send unsolicited automated calls asking you to press buttons. If you need to contact Border Force, use the official number on their website rather than returning a call from an unknown number.
Why did the call ask me to choose between English and Chinese?
The language selection prompt from 03 9316 9045 is a social engineering tactic designed to make the robocall appear professional and official. It creates the false impression that a large, legitimate organisation is calling, when in fact it is a scammer using automation to reach many people at once.
What happens if I press 1 or 2 on a call from 0393169045?
Pressing a button on a robocall from 0393169045 typically confirms to the scammer that your number is active and monitored by a real person. This can lead to more frequent scam calls. It may also route you to a live scammer who will attempt to extract personal information, banking details, or convince you to make a payment.
Should I call 03 9316 9045 back?
No. Do not call 03 9316 9045 (0393169045) back under any circumstances. Returning the call confirms your number is active and may result in further scam attempts. If you have a genuine customs or border matter, contact Australian Border Force directly using the official number on their website.
How can I block 03 9316 9045?
Most mobile phones allow you to block numbers directly. On iPhone, open the number 0393169045 in your call history, tap the info icon, and select 'Block this Caller'. On Android, open your phone app, find 03 9316 9045 in your call history, and select 'Block number'. You can also ask your phone provider (Telstra, in this case) about call filtering services.
What should I do if I gave information to the caller from 03 9316 9045?
If you provided personal information (passport number, date of birth, address) to 0393169045, monitor your identity and finances closely for signs of fraud. If you shared banking or credit card details, contact your bank immediately. You can also report the incident to ReportCyber at cyber.gov.au and consider placing a ban on your credit file through Equifax or Experian to prevent fraudulent credit applications.