- Scam
Community report for 08 5116 8796 (0851168796): Robotic message impersonating immigration department claiming visa trouble, requesting language selection.
Immigration Department Impersonation Robocall for 08 5116 8796
One contributor has reported receiving a robocall from 08 5116 8796 (also written as 0851168796) impersonating Australia's immigration department. The caller used an automated robotic message claiming the recipient had visa troubles, requesting them to press 1 for English or 2 for Chinese. This is a clear hallmark of a recorded message scam designed to manipulate people into engaging with the fraudsters.
The number 0851168796 is registered to a Western Australian local service provider, but this allocation means nothing about legitimacy. Scammers regularly spoof legitimate service numbers or purchase obscure allocations to appear credible during initial contact.
How the Robocall from 08 5116 8796 Works
The contributor reported that 08 5116 8796 delivered a pre-recorded robotic message rather than a live caller. This automated approach allows scammers to conduct mass calling campaigns at minimal cost. The message falsely claimed to be from the immigration department and referenced visa issues, a known pressure point for international students, visa holders, and migrants who may fear consequences of immigration violations.
By offering language options (English or Chinese), the scammers behind 0851168796 are specifically targeting non-English speakers and migrant communities who may be less familiar with Australian government communication practices. Pressing either button likely connects the victim to a live scammer who would then attempt to extract personal details, payment, or both.
What to Do If You Receive a Call from 08 5116 8796
If 08 5116 8796 calls you:
- Do not: Press any number, return the call, or provide personal information like passport details, visa status, date of birth, or payment information
- Do: Hang up immediately, block the number, and verify any immigration matter through official channels
- Verify directly: Contact the Department of Home Affairs using the official phone number on their website (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au), never using numbers provided by the caller
- Remember: The Australian government will never demand immediate payment via phone or threaten visa cancellation without formal written notice sent to your registered address
How to Report 08 5116 8796
Report this immigration impersonation scam to Australian authorities:
- Scamwatch: Report at scamwatch.gov.au with details of the call, time received, and the message content
- ACMA (Australian Communications and Media Authority): Report the robocall at acma.gov.au - ACMA tracks illegal robocall patterns and can take action against service providers
- Department of Home Affairs: Notify them of the impersonation at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/fraud
- Reverseau: Add your experience with 0851168796 to our community reports to help others identify this number
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What Our Users Reviewed
Robotic message claiming to be immigration department about visa trouble, press 1 for English 2 for Chinese
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WRITE A REVIEWFrequently Asked Questions
Is 08 5116 8796 a real immigration department number?
No. 08 5116 8796 (0851168796) is not an official immigration department contact number. The Department of Home Affairs does not initiate contact via unsolicited robocalls asking you to press buttons for language selection. Always verify any immigration matter by calling the official Department of Home Affairs number listed on immi.homeaffairs.gov.au.
What should I do if I already pressed a button on the 0851168796 call?
If you pressed a button in response to 08 5116 8796, do not provide any personal information if a live person answers. Hang up immediately and block the number. Monitor your accounts for suspicious activity. If you provided personal details, contact your bank and the Department of Home Affairs to report the incident at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/fraud.
Why did 08 5116 8796 offer English and Chinese language options?
Scammers using 0851168796 specifically targeted non-English speakers and migrant communities by offering language options. This social engineering tactic exploits potential language barriers and the fact that migrants and visa holders may be unfamiliar with how Australian government agencies actually communicate.
Can I get my visa cancelled because of a call from 08 5116 8796?
No. The Department of Home Affairs will not cancel or suspend your visa based on a phone call from 08 5116 8796 (0851168796). All official immigration matters are handled through written correspondence sent to your registered address and via your myGov account. You will never be threatened with immediate visa cancellation by an automated robocall.
How do I block 08 5116 8796 on my phone?
Block 0851168796 by going to your recent calls, selecting the number 08 5116 8796, and choosing 'Block' or 'Add to Reject List' depending on your phone type. On most Australian phones, you can also report it as spam directly from the call log. This prevents future calls from 08 5116 8796 reaching you.
Should I report this robocall to ACMA?
Yes. ACMA (Australian Communications and Media Authority) actively investigates illegal robocalls. Reporting 08 5116 8796 (0851168796) to acma.gov.au helps authorities identify calling patterns and take action against the service provider transmitting these fraudulent messages. Each report strengthens the case against this scam operation.