- Scam
0412 148 442 (0412148442): One contributor reported a recorded robocall impersonating Immigration with threats of urgent documents and pressure to press keys.
Immigration Impersonation Robocall for 0412 148 442
A contributor has reported receiving a recorded robocall from 0412 148 442 (also written as 0412148442) impersonating Australia's Department of Home Affairs Immigration. The call used a pre-recorded message in English and Chinese, claiming the recipient had an urgent document requiring immediate action. This is a classic hallmark of automated scam campaigns targeting mobile numbers.
The contributor did not answer the call and immediately blocked the number after the ringtone ended. A voicemail was then left containing the full recorded message with language selection prompts, suggesting the caller was using an automated system designed to reach high call volumes at once.
What the Recorded Message from 0412 148 442 Said
The voicemail message left by 0412148442 began with a language selection prompt: "press 1 for English, press 2 for Chinese." After the selection option, the message claimed the recipient had "an urgent document from the Immigration" requiring attention.
The use of bilingual prompts is a known tactic to maximise effectiveness across different demographic groups. By offering Chinese language options, the scammer targets recent migrants and international residents who may be more familiar with Government processes in their first language and therefore more likely to comply with urgent-sounding requests.
Why This Call Is a Scam
Several features of the 0412 148 442 call indicate it is fraudulent:
- The Department of Home Affairs does not contact residents via unsolicited recorded calls about urgent documents
- Legitimate Government communications come from official channels with verifiable phone numbers and written correspondence
- The urgency and demand to "press 1" to engage further is designed to bypass rational decision-making
- Scammers impersonating Immigration often follow up with requests for personal details, payment, or clicking malicious links
What to Do If You Receive a Call from 0412 148 442
If 0412148442 calls you:
- Do not: Press any keys, return the call, or engage with the voicemail message
- Do not: Provide personal information, passport details, or visa information
- Do: Hang up immediately if you answer
- Do: Let it go to voicemail without responding to prompts
- Do: Block the number in your phone settings
- Do: Verify any immigration matters directly with the Department of Home Affairs via their official website at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au or call 131 881 from a landline
How to Report 0412 148 442
Report this scam to Australian authorities using these resources:
- Scamwatch (scamwatch.gov.au) - Report the call and any follow-up contact attempts
- ACMA (acma.gov.au) - Report unsolicited calls and robocalls to the Australian Communications and Media Authority
- ReportCyber (cyber.gov.au) - If you clicked any links or received SMS follow-ups
- Reverseau - Contribute your own experience with 0412 148 442 to help other Australians identify this scammer
When reporting to Scamwatch or ACMA, include the date and time of the call, whether you answered, and the full message content if saved.
Help others by sharing your experience with 0412 148 442!
WRITE A REVIEWRatings Distribution
What Our Users Reviewed
Scam call.
I didn’t pick up and blocked it as soon as ringtone gone.
Then I found a message as “press 1 for English, press 2 for Chinese! It claimed that I had an urgent document from the Immigration. I know it is not real.
Didn't answer, got a message about pressing buttons for language, claimed to be immigration with an urgent document
Help others by sharing your experience with 0412 148 442!
WRITE A REVIEWFrequently Asked Questions
Is 0412 148 442 really calling from Immigration?
No. The Department of Home Affairs does not contact residents via unsolicited recorded robocalls. If you receive an urgent immigration matter notification, always verify by calling the official Department number 131 881 from a landline rather than returning any call or pressing keys in response to 0412148442.
What happens if I press 1 for English on 0412 148 442?
Pressing keys in response to the 0412148442 robocall confirms your number is active and monitored by humans. This typically leads to follow-up calls, SMS messages with malicious links, or transfer to a scammer posing as an Immigration officer who will request personal details, passport information, or payment.
Why does 0412 148 442 offer a Chinese language option?
The bilingual prompts on 0412148442 are designed to target recent migrants and international residents who may be more trusting of Government processes conducted in their first language. Scammers use this tactic to increase the likelihood of compliance with their demands.
Should I return the call or click links from 0412 148 442?
No. Do not return any call to 0412148442 and do not click links or attachments from associated SMS messages. Returning the call connects you directly to scammers, and links may contain malware targeting your banking or personal data.
How do I block 0412 148 442 on my phone?
On most Australian mobile phones, open your call history, find 0412148442, and select "Block" or "Add to Spam". On iPhone, swipe left on the number and tap Block; on Android, tap the three dots and select Block. Once blocked, calls and SMS from 0412 148 442 will go directly to your blocked list.
What should I do if I already gave information to 0412 148 442?
If you provided personal details, passport information, or banking details to someone claiming to be from Immigration via 0412148442, contact your bank immediately to monitor for fraud, and report the call to Scamwatch at scamwatch.gov.au. Consider placing a fraud alert with your credit provider if financial details were shared.