- Suspicious
One community report for 04 7816 7984 (0478167984): caller impersonated government, left voicemail requesting callback on now-disconnected number.
Government Impersonation and Callback Request from 04 7816 7984
A single contributor has reported receiving a voicemail from 04 7816 7984 (also written as 0478167984) claiming to be from the government. The caller requested a callback, but when the recipient attempted to return the call to 0478167984, the number was no longer active. This pattern combines two high-risk scam tactics: impersonation of a government entity and a callback request designed to engage the victim.
The report suggests the number may have been temporarily active or spoofed, a common technique in callback scams where scammers leave urgent messages to prompt immediate response.
What the Caller from 04 7816 7984 Did
According to the community report, the caller claiming to represent the government left a voicemail on the contributor's phone. The message was structured to prompt a callback, which is a red flag indicator of callback scam methodology. When the recipient tried to reach 0478167984 to respond, the number was disconnected or no longer available, preventing any further interaction.
This disconnect after the voicemail is deliberately designed: scammers use temporary numbers or spoofed numbers to make the initial contact seem credible, then disconnect to avoid being reached by cautious recipients or to prevent the victim from verifying the caller's identity before engaging.
What to Do If You Receive a Call or Voicemail from 04 7816 7984
If you receive a voicemail or call from 04 7816 7984:
- Do not: Return the call, ring back the number, or provide any personal details in a return message
- Do not: Trust caller ID alone as proof of government contact
- Do: Delete the voicemail without responding
- Do: Block 0478167984 immediately if the number calls again
- Do: Verify any government claim independently by contacting the official agency directly using a publicly listed phone number from their website
- Do: Remember that genuine government agencies do not request callbacks from unknown numbers or use pressure tactics in voicemails
How to Report 04 7816 7984
If you receive calls or voicemails from 04 7816 7984 claiming to represent government agencies, report this number to:
- Scamwatch (scamwatch.gov.au) - Australia's official consumer scam reporting service
- ACMA (acma.gov.au) - Australia's communications regulator, which tracks scam numbers and can take enforcement action
- ReportCyber (cyber.gov.au) - if the scam involves online elements or cybercrime aspects
- Reverseau - contribute your experience to help other Australians identify this number
Providing details about when you received the call, what was said in the voicemail, and which government agency was impersonated helps authorities track patterns and protect other Australians from 0478167984.
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What Our Users Reviewed
Claimed to be from the government, when I rang back the number was gone
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WRITE A REVIEWFrequently Asked Questions
Why would a scammer leave a voicemail asking me to call back 04 7816 7984?
Callback scams rely on you taking the initiative to ring back. By leaving an urgent voicemail from 04 7816 7984, the scammer creates a sense of authority and legitimacy. When you ring back 0478167984, they can then ask for personal details, financial information, or payment under the pretence of resolving an alleged government issue. The number being disconnected when you try to call back is intentional - it prevents verification and protects the scammer.
What should I do if I already called back the number 0478167984?
If you rang back 04 7816 7984 and spoke to someone, do not provide any further information. End the call immediately. If you shared personal details like your name, address, or bank information, contact your bank and relevant government agencies to flag potential fraud. Monitor your accounts closely for unauthorised activity. You can report the incident to Scamwatch (scamwatch.gov.au) and ACMA (acma.gov.au) so they're aware of 0478167984's activity.
How can I tell if a call claiming to be from the government is legitimate?
Genuine government agencies will not contact you via voicemail on 04 7816 7984 or similar numbers asking you to call back. Real government calls either occur through verified official channels or invite you to contact the agency using a number you find independently on their official website. Never trust caller ID alone. If uncertain, hang up and ring the government agency directly using their published contact number to verify whether they tried to reach you.
Could 04 7816 7984 be a spoofed number?
Yes, very likely. Scammers frequently use spoofed numbers - technology that makes calls appear to come from different numbers than the actual source. The fact that 0478167984 was disconnected when the contributor tried to call back suggests it may have been temporarily active or spoofed. This is common practice in callback scams to avoid detection and accountability. This is why you should never trust caller ID as sole proof of identity.
Should I block 04 7816 7984 on my phone?
Yes, blocking 0478167984 is sensible if the number has called you. However, keep in mind that scammers often use different numbers for subsequent calls, so blocking a single number provides limited protection. More importantly, do not call back any unknown voicemails, regardless of what they claim. Report the number to ACMA (acma.gov.au) and Scamwatch (scamwatch.gov.au) so authorities can track 04 7816 7984's activity.
What government agencies should I contact to verify a claim from 04 7816 7984?
If the voicemail from 0478167984 mentioned a specific agency (ATO, Services Australia, NBN Co, etc.), contact that agency directly using the phone number on their official website. Never use contact details provided in the voicemail from 04 7816 7984. For tax matters, ring the ATO directly. For welfare or services, contact Services Australia. For broadband issues, contact NBN Co. This verification step will immediately reveal whether 0478167984 is a scam.