- Scam
Robocall scam alert for 04 8998 7265 (0489987265). Automated voice offers Chinese language option in spoofed voicemail.
Robocall Scam Report for 04 8998 7265
One contributor has reported receiving a robocall from 04 8998 7265 (also written as 0489987265), a mobile number allocated to Pivotel Satellite. The caller did not identify themselves, instead leaving an automated voicemail message that offered a Chinese language option by pressing 2. The contributor suspected this number was spoofed, meaning the caller masked their actual identity to make the call appear legitimate.
Robocalls like the one from 0489987265 are typically part of larger scam campaigns where fraudsters use automated systems to contact large numbers of people quickly. The addition of a language selection option suggests the caller may be targeting specific communities, or simply using this feature to make the call seem more official.
What the Automated Message from 04 8998 7265 Indicated
The voicemail from 04 8998 7265 was entirely automated, with no human interaction. The presence of a language selection prompt (pressing 2 for Chinese) is a common tactic used by scammers to appear legitimate or to route calls to specific call centres. The contributor's immediate suspicion of the number was justified, as legitimate organisations typically identify themselves by name in voicemail messages rather than offering language options as the first point of contact.
Why 0489987265 Is Likely Spoofed
The contributor noted that the lack of caller identification, combined with the generic automated message and language selection option, strongly suggested number spoofing. Spoofing allows scammers to mask their real phone number and make calls appear to come from a different source. In this case, the number 04 8998 7265 may not actually belong to the caller, making it difficult to trace the source of the scam.
What to Do If You Receive a Call from 04 8998 7265
If 04 8998 7265 calls you:
- Do not: Press any numbers or select any options, return the call, or engage with the automated system
- Do: Let the call go to voicemail, do not answer if you don't recognise the number, and block 0489987265 immediately
- Do: Be aware that the caller may be using a spoofed number, so blocking 04 8998 7265 may not prevent similar calls from other spoofed numbers
Robocalls are particularly dangerous because they operate at scale, reaching hundreds or thousands of people with minimal human effort. Never press keys or respond to prompts from unknown automated callers, as this may confirm your number is active and lead to more calls.
How to Report 04 8998 7265
If you receive a robocall from this number, report it to Australian authorities:
- ACMA Robocall Report: acma.gov.au - the Australian Communications and Media Authority manages complaints about unwanted calls
- Scamwatch: scamwatch.gov.au - report the call and any details about the automated message
- Do Not Call Register: donotcall.gov.au - register your number to reduce telemarketing calls (though robocalls are often from offshore scammers)
- Your phone provider: Contact Pivotel or your own service provider to report the spoofed number
- Reverseau community: Share your experience with this number to help other Australians stay informed
Help others by sharing your experience with 0489 987 265!
WRITE A REVIEWRatings Distribution
What Our Users Reviewed
Sent call to voicemail as I didn’t recognise the number. Automated voice left voicemail message to press 2 for chinese language so I guess it’s safe to call this a spoofed scam number.
Help others by sharing your experience with 0489 987 265!
WRITE A REVIEWFrequently Asked Questions
Why would a scammer leave a voicemail from 04 8998 7265?
Leaving a voicemail creates persistence - the contributor receives a record of the call and may be more likely to investigate or call back later. By making it seem automated and offering language options, the scammer attempts to appear legitimate. The use of 04 8998 7265 (a mobile number) rather than a business landline may have been intended to seem more personal or official.
What does 'spoofed' mean in relation to 0489987265?
Spoofing means the caller masked their real phone number to make 04 8998 7265 appear on the recipient's phone, when the actual call originated elsewhere. This makes tracing the real scammer extremely difficult. The caller used technology to manipulate caller ID, so the number 0489987265 may not actually be the source of the call.
Should I call back the number 04 8998 7265?
No. Do not call back 04 8998 7265 under any circumstances. Calling back a spoofed robocall number confirms your number is active and may route you to a scammer or incur unexpected charges. Even if the number appears legitimate, robocalls and spoofed numbers should never be returned.
Why did the voicemail offer a Chinese language option?
The language selection option in the voicemail from 04 8998 7265 may indicate the scammer was targeting specific communities, or simply using this feature as a common tactic to appear official and increase the likelihood of people engaging with the call. Legitimate organisations typically identify themselves before offering language options.
Is Pivotel Satellite responsible for the call from 04 8998 7265?
Pivotel Satellite is the allocated provider for the mobile number 0489987265, but this does not mean the company itself made the call. Scammers exploit phone number spoofing technology to impersonate other numbers. Pivotel would not be responsible unless the number was legitimately assigned to a bad actor, which should be reported to the provider and ACMA.
How can I block robocalls like the one from 04 8998 7265 in the future?
Block 04 8998 7265 immediately in your phone's contacts. However, because the number is spoofed, the same scammer may call from a different number next time. Most modern phones have spam filtering features - enable these in your settings. Report the call to ACMA at acma.gov.au and register with the Do Not Call Register at donotcall.gov.au, though offshore scammers often ignore this list.