- Suspicious
One contributor reported a silent call from 03 9661 8033 (0396618033). The caller hung up immediately after connection, typical of callback scam testing.
Silent Call Reports for 03 9661 8033
A contributor has reported receiving a silent call from 03 9661 8033 (also written as 0396618033). When the call was answered, there was complete silence on the line before the caller disconnected quickly. This behaviour is consistent with callback scam testing, where scammers dial numbers to confirm they are active before attempting a scam call later.
The call came from a Telstra local service number allocated to Victoria. Silent calls like this from 0396618033 often precede follow-up contact attempts or indicate the number is being used to verify working phone lines for future fraud campaigns.
Why Scammers Make Silent Calls to 03 9661 8033
Silent calls from numbers like 03 9661 8033 serve as verification tools. When you answer, scammers confirm your number is active and that a real person can be reached. This information is valuable to fraud operations, which then add your number to targeted lists for investment scams, impersonation calls, or other schemes.
The rapid hang-up after connection, as reported with this 0396618033 call, is deliberate. Scammers avoid extended interaction to minimise the chance of being traced or reported during the verification phase.
Call Patterns and Timing
The contributor received the silent call from 03 9661 8033 via a standard phone connection when they actively answered. The immediate disconnection and complete silence suggest an automated or semi-automated dialling system rather than a live operator.
If you receive similar silent calls from 0396618033 or other numbers, the timing and pattern of hang-ups can indicate whether the caller is testing your number's validity or attempting to engage you in conversation.
What to Do If You Receive a Call from 03 9661 8033
If 03 9661 8033 calls you:
- Do not: Return the call, engage with any follow-up contact, or provide any information if the caller speaks after initial silence
- Do: Hang up immediately, block the number on your phone, and note the time and date of the call
- Do: Be alert for follow-up calls from 0396618033 or similar numbers in the following days, as silent calls often precede scam attempts
- Do: Let unknown numbers go to voicemail in future to avoid confirming your number's activity to potential scammers
If the same number calls multiple times, your phone provider can help block it at the network level.
How to Report 03 9661 8033
Report this number and your experience to Australian authorities:
- ACMA (Australian Communications and Media Authority): Report the silent call at acma.gov.au. ACMA tracks patterns of nuisance calling and can take action against operators misusing phone services.
- Scamwatch: If you suspect the silent call is part of a broader scam campaign, report it at scamwatch.gov.au.
- Reverseau: Contribute your experience with 03 9661 8033 (0396618033) on Reverseau to help other Australians identify this number and protect themselves from callback scams.
Each report about 0396618033 helps the community recognise patterns and respond faster to threats.
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Answered but completely silent, they hung up fast
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WRITE A REVIEWFrequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I answer a call from 03 9661 8033 and hear silence?
Hang up immediately. Silent calls from numbers like 03 9661 8033 are typically used by scammers to verify that your phone number is active and monitored by a real person. Do not stay on the line, do not speak, and do not return the call. Block 0396618033 on your phone to prevent future contact.
Why would scammers call from 03 9661 8033 and hang up without speaking?
Scammers use silent calls from numbers like 03 9661 8033 to test whether your phone is active. Once they confirm you answer calls, they add your number to their target list for investment scams, impersonation calls, or other fraud. The silent hang-up avoids giving you an opportunity to report them during the verification phase.
Is 03 9661 8033 (0396618033) a legitimate business number?
The number 03 9661 8033 is allocated as a Telstra local service in Victoria, but this does not guarantee the caller is legitimate. Scammers frequently spoof or hijack service provider numbers. The silent call behaviour reported on 0396618033 is characteristic of scam testing, not legitimate business operations.
Can I block 03 9661 8033 on my phone?
Yes. Most smartphones allow you to block numbers directly in the call history or contacts app. You can also contact your phone provider, Telstra, to request network-level blocking of 03 9661 8033 (0396618033) if the calls persist. Report the number to ACMA at acma.gov.au for their records.
What should I do if 03 9661 8033 calls again after I've blocked it?
If you continue to receive calls from 0396618033 or similar silent calls after blocking, this indicates the number may be part of a larger fraud campaign. Document each attempt with the date and time, then report the pattern to ACMA and Scamwatch. Multiple reports help authorities identify organised scam operations.
Could the silent call from 03 9661 8033 be a system error or butt dial?
Highly unlikely. One accidental call might result in silence, but 03 9661 8033 calling and disconnecting immediately upon connection follows the deliberate pattern of callback scam verification. The rapid hang-up and zero attempt to communicate are typical of automated scam testing systems, not human errors or accidental calls.