- Scam
Community report for 842839635706: Robocall impersonating Australian Department of Health claiming multiple contact attempts, requesting personal information via automated message.
Department of Health Impersonation Report for 842839635706
One contributor has reported a robocall from 842839635706 impersonating the Australian Department of Health. The automated message claimed multiple failed contact attempts and requested the recipient verify personal details by pressing a key. The caller ID indicated the call originated from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, a common indicator of international scam operations.
The contributor noted receiving a similar call from a different number the previous month, suggesting this may be part of a coordinated campaign targeting Australian phone numbers. The 842839635706 call was recorded by Google Voice's voicemail system and immediately marked as spam and blocked.
What the Robocall Message from 842839635706 Said
The automated message from 842839635706 used several social engineering tactics. It opened with an official-sounding greeting: "Hello, this is the Australian Department of Health. We have tried to contact you several times, but have been unable to reach you to check the details." The message then prompted the recipient to press one for English or press two for Chinese.
This approach is designed to appear legitimate by citing previous contact attempts (which never occurred) and using the language selection prompt to seem authentic. The underlying goal is to collect personal identification data or payment information once the recipient engages with the system.
Robocall Pattern and Timing
The contributor reported this as an incoming voicemail from 842839635706, indicating the call was not answered directly. The mention of receiving a similar scam call the previous month from a different number suggests these campaigns operate on a rolling basis, cycling through phone numbers to avoid detection patterns.
The international origination (Vietnam) combined with the Department of Health impersonation is a well-documented scam pattern targeting Australian residents. Scammers obtain or purchase Australian contact lists and use automated dialling systems to reach large volumes of people with minimal cost.
What to Do If You Receive a Call from 842839635706
If 842839635706 calls you:
- Do not: Press any key, engage with the automated system, or provide any personal information, banking details, or identification numbers
- Do not: Return the call or respond to any follow-up messages
- Do: Let calls from unknown numbers go to voicemail to record the message content
- Do: Block the number 842839635706 immediately in your phone settings
- Do: Verify independently: If you believe you have genuine Department of Health business, call the official number from your records or the government website, never using contact details from an unsolicited call
- Do: Remember the Australian Department of Health will never demand personal information or payment over an unsolicited call
What to Do If You Receive Similar Messages from 842839635706
If 842839635706 leaves a voicemail or SMS:
- Do not: Click any links sent via SMS or email claiming to be from government departments
- Do not: Call any phone numbers provided in the message
- Do: Report the SMS to the ACMA (Australian Communications and Media Authority) by forwarding it to 0429 999 888
- Do: Save the voicemail as evidence if your phone allows voice message export
How to Report 842839635706
Report this number and similar robocalls through the following Australian government resources:
- Scamwatch - Report suspected scams at scamwatch.gov.au with details of the message and timing
- ACMA (Australian Communications and Media Authority) - File complaints about unwanted calls and SMS at acma.gov.au or call 1300 850 152
- ReportCyber - If the scam involves phishing attempts or credential theft, report at cyber.gov.au
- Reverseau - Contribute your experience with 842839635706 to help other Australians identify this number and similar scams
Help others by sharing your experience with 842839635706!
WRITE A REVIEWRatings Distribution
What Our Users Reviewed
In coming robo phone call from Ho Chin Min City, I let Google voice mail pick up to record. Had a similar phone call last month from a different number. Scam and obviously trying to get personal information. Marked Spam and blocked.
Message said Hello this is the Australian Depatment of Health. We have tried to contact you several times, but have been unable to reach you to check the details. Press one for English or press two for Chinese.
Help others by sharing your experience with 842839635706!
WRITE A REVIEWFrequently Asked Questions
Why would a scammer impersonate the Department of Health in a call from 842839635706?
Government department impersonation creates false urgency and authority. By claiming to be from the Department of Health with a message about previous contact attempts, scammers exploit people's natural concern about official matters. The call from 842839635706 likely aims to trick recipients into pressing keys or providing personal details that can be used for identity theft or financial fraud.
What happens if I press a key in response to the 842839635706 robocall?
Pressing a key (1 for English or 2 for Chinese) on the 842839635706 call confirms your number is active and monitored by a real person. This can lead to follow-up scam attempts, addition to targeted call lists, or immediate pressure to provide personal information. Do not engage with any prompts from this number.
Is 842839635706 calling from Australia?
No. The contributor reported that 842839635706 originated from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. International scammers purchase or obtain Australian contact lists and use automated calling systems to impersonate government agencies. The fact that 842839635706 appears to be from overseas is a strong indicator of scam activity.
Why did the 842839635706 call offer language options (English and Chinese)?
Offering a language selection makes the scam appear more legitimate and government-like, as some official Australian services do provide language options. It also allows scammers to target different demographic groups. However, legitimate Department of Health calls will not use automated systems demanding key presses for personal verification.
Should I report 842839635706 if I didn't answer the call?
Yes. Even if you didn't engage with 842839635706, reporting it helps the community and authorities track scam patterns. The contributor in this case reported the number through their voicemail system. You can report 842839635706 to Scamwatch (scamwatch.gov.au), ACMA (acma.gov.au), or contribute directly on Reverseau to help other Australians.
What should I do if I already pressed a key on the 842839635706 call or provided information?
If you engaged with 842839635706 and provided personal details, contact your bank immediately to alert them of potential fraud. Monitor your accounts for suspicious activity. Place a fraud alert with the Australian Securities Exchange or relevant financial institutions. Report the incident to ACMA (1300 850 152) and Scamwatch (scamwatch.gov.au) to document the scam attempt.