[gkabbara]

SCAM ALERT: Fake Immigration Calls ​

Today, I received an immigration scam call from 0480 020 397, claiming I needed to urgently contact the Immigration Department. It was an automated message asking me to press 1 for Chinese and 2 for English.


Out of curiosity, I pressed 1 and was connected to someone speaking Chinese. When I asked who they were, they insisted I press 2 instead. Then they hung up.


Later, I got a follow-up voicemail from 061 272299263, repeating the same scam.


What Would Have Happened Next?
The scammer would have pretended to be an immigration officer.
They might have claimed I had visa issues, unpaid fees, or a deportation order.
They would demand personal details or payment to "fix" the issue.
If I fell for it, my identity or money would be at risk.


Key Takeaways for Seniors in Australia
Government agencies NEVER call and demand immediate action over the phone.
If you get a call like this, hang up immediately!
Scammers often use fake or disconnected numbers.
Report the scam to Scamwatch or the Australian Cyber Security Centre.


Stay safe and spread the word! Scammers are getting smarter, but we can outsmart them.

I advise you keep vigilant of these numbers and block them on your mobiles.

 

[Rose-Marie]

The call I had came from 02 72384006 who spoke Chinese and I hung up.

 

[mOiOz]

ANY recorded call I get... immediately hang up!
I won't even wait to hear who it is!

 

[Jest]

fool you, for pressing any numbers bar delete.

 

[Veggiepatch]

It was an automated message asking me to press 1 for Chinese and 2 for English.

I have received several phone calls with same option from a (03) number. When I didn't answer a call from this number, I received a 30 second voicemail - all in Chinese.

I dug a bit deeper and found it was from a university in Shanghai, China!

 

[gkabbara]

The call I had came from 02 72384006 who spoke Chinese and I hung up.

report the call on scam watch https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/ . they will check the number out and block it

 

[Veggiepatch]

report the call on scam watch https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/ . they will check the number out and block it

I've tried Scamwatch. It's like jumping through hoops on your hands backwards while holding a tray of champagne glasses.

I simply give up in the end!

 

[Jan A]

Rule No.1: Government agencies will NEVER send recorded messages about some urgent matter you need to deal with. If there is anything they need to contact you about, they will communicate with a letter containing verifiable contact information relating to the sender and details that identify you as the intended recipient.
Rule No.2: If you get one of these “urgent” messages demanding a response, see Rule No.1.

Give that Delete button a workout!

 

[Morgans Orchard]

I have been thinking about changing my health care policy but hadn’t done anything about it when early one morning I answered phone always in the middle of washing dishes doing something productive so didn’t get name of company person calling from . He was very talkative like long lost friend I hadn’t spoken to in years Going through all the things I was insured on my policy with company I was insured with. YES you don’t need this and that WE can do better than that but first I will have to put you through to my superior To approve it . Once again very nice chap I was about to ask him First send me an email with your coverage and prices so I could send this to my health insurers whom I have been a member 47 years But the discussion of payment came well Westpac Bank pay all my accounts for me as I am blind no money is taken out of my account without their approval .CHOONK went the phone in my ear . Needless to say I am still with the same firm

 

[Parrot]

I have received several 03 numbers as I don’t recognise them they go in the trash . If they are genuine they need to identify themselves ..