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08 8445 1673 (0884451673) robocall scam: fake AFP Detective claiming active investigation, press 1 to connect. 8 reports of impersonation and callback lures.
AFP Impersonation Robocall Scam for 08 8445 1673
Eight contributors have reported calls from 08 8445 1673 (also written as 0884451673) impersonating the Australian Federal Police. The overwhelming pattern involves automated robocalls claiming to be an AFP Detective Sergeant investigating an active case, with a recorded message instructing recipients to press 1 to be connected to an officer. Multiple reports about 0884451673 confirm this is a callback lure designed to trick people into connecting to scammers.
What makes 08 8445 1673 particularly deceptive is that the number itself appears to be cloned from a legitimate South Australian business. One contributor who looked up the number discovered it matched a smash repairer in Woodville Park, SA, suggesting the scammers are spoofing a real local service provider to increase credibility.
What Callers from 08 8445 1673 Claim
The robocall from 08 8445 1673 uses official-sounding language to create urgency and legitimacy. Reports describe an automated message stating "AFP Detective Sergeant regarding active investigation, press one to connect." One contributor received a voicemail with the same message about an "ongoing AFP investigation" with instructions to press 1 to return the call. Another report noted the message included a fake case reference number (CR08 8836 4532) to add authenticity.
Beyond the AFP robocall pattern, one contributor reported a separate call from this number where a person claiming to be from a bank mentioned suspicious transactions and requested card details. This suggests 08 8445 1673 may be used for multiple scam variations, though the dominant pattern remains the police impersonation callback lure.
Call Patterns and Timing
The AFP impersonation calls from 08 8445 1673 have been reported consistently over recent weeks, with multiple incidents recorded between 31 March and 10 April. At least two reports describe receiving the call "today" (9 April), indicating ongoing activity. Some contributors received voicemails after missing the call, while others answered and immediately hung up without pressing 1.
The persistence of this scam number is notable: contributors are reporting the same robocall message repeatedly over a ten-day period. One contributor noted receiving 2-3 calls daily from similar patterns, though this specific number (0884451673) appears in the high-frequency category based on multiple recent reports.
What to Do If You Receive a Call from 08 8445 1673
If 08 8445 1673 calls you:
- Do not: Press 1 or any key in response to the robocall, return the call, or provide any personal information
- Do: Hang up immediately, block the number, and report it to the ACMA
- Remember: The AFP will never cold-call you about investigations or request payment. If you suspect genuine police activity, hang up and call the AFP directly on 131 AFP (131 237)
- Verify independently: Never use contact details provided in unexpected calls. Look up organisations using their official published numbers
What to Do If You Receive a Voicemail from 08 8445 1673
If 08 8445 1673 leaves a voicemail:
- Do not: Call back, press any numbers mentioned, or save the voicemail as a "callback" contact
- Do: Delete the message and block the number immediately
- Report it: Forward details to the ACMA and Scamwatch to help protect other Australians from this scam
How to Report 08 8445 1673
Contributors in South Australia and across Australia can report this number through multiple channels:
- ACMA (Australian Communications and Media Authority): Report the robocall at acma.gov.au or call 1300 850 152. Include the date, time, and exact message from the robocall
- Scamwatch: Lodge a report at scamwatch.gov.au describing the AFP impersonation and callback lure
- AFP: If the scam specifically impersonates federal police, you can also report to the AFP at cyber.gov.au (ReportCyber)
- Reverseau: Contribute your experience with 08 8445 1673 to help other Australians identify this scam
Help others by sharing your experience with (08) 8445 1673!
WRITE A REVIEWRatings Distribution
What Our Users Reviewed
Bloke claiming to be from a bank about suspicious transactions, wanted my card details
Pretended to be AFP cyber crime unit, handed me a fake case ref CR08 8836 4532
Robocall from a "sergeant" with the Australian Federal Police claiming that they were trying to get in touch for my assistance with an active investigation, and to press 1 to be connected to an officer. I hung up without pressing 1; googled the number and it appears to be cloned from an auto body/smash repairer in Woodville Park SA.
AFP Active Investigation, Press1 to be connected to an Agent.
Automated message claiming to be an AFP Detective Sergeant about an active case and asking to press one for connection, reported it instead
AFP Detective Sergeant regarding active investigation, press one to connect, reported instead
Message about ongoing AFP investigation, press 1 to return call
Spam call saying they're from the Australian Federal Police, 3 rings then hang up
Help others by sharing your experience with (08) 8445 1673!
WRITE A REVIEWFrequently Asked Questions
Why do scammers use 08 8445 1673 to impersonate the AFP?
The number 0884451673 appears to be cloned from a legitimate South Australian business, which makes it more credible when the automated message claims to be from police. Using a seemingly local number increases the chances that people will answer and trust the caller. The AFP number impersonation creates artificial urgency that tricks people into pressing 1 without thinking.
What happens if I press 1 on the 08 8445 1673 robocall?
If you press 1 in response to the 0884451673 robocall, you will be connected to a scammer posing as an AFP officer. They will likely claim you are under investigation and demand payment, threaten arrest, or request personal and banking details. Do not engage - hang up immediately if you accidentally connect.
Could the 08 8445 1673 call be legitimate?
No. The Australian Federal Police do not conduct active investigations by cold-calling random people with robocalls asking them to press 1. If the AFP needed to contact you, they would either visit in person or call from a verifiable AFP number. If you're uncertain, hang up and call the AFP directly on 131 AFP (131 237) using the official number.
Why is 0884451673 still calling if it's been reported?
Scammers can operate the same robocall setup for weeks or months before authorities take it down. The number 08 8445 1673 has received 8 reports over approximately two weeks, showing the scam is active and ongoing. Reporting to the ACMA and blocking the number on your phone are your immediate protections.
Is the fake case reference number (CR08 8836 4532) real?
No. The case reference CR08 8836 4532 mentioned in some 0884451673 robocalls is fabricated to add authenticity. Scammers include these fake case numbers to make the AFP impersonation seem more official. Never trust case numbers from unsolicited calls - always verify through official AFP channels if you have concerns.
Should I report 08 8445 1673 if I just hung up without pressing 1?
Yes. Even if you hung up immediately on 0884451673 without pressing 1, reporting it to the ACMA and Scamwatch helps authorities track the scam and protects other Australians. The more reports received for 08 8445 1673, the faster the number can be shut down or investigated by law enforcement.