This number is linked to a phone scam using centrelink as the bait

Had a recorded (robot female voice) call this morning, claiming I had failed to respond to several Centrelink calls and messages and that as a consequence the file had been forwarded to "Canberra Head Office". Gave me an "Application No." (080456) and instruction to call (02) 8378 7970. Did so, and call answered by "Francis" with an Indian accent, who advised that I had been underpaid by Centrelink in the amount of $2,350.00 and that I would be paid by cheque to be delivered at my nearest Centrelink Office. Call then (deliberately??) dropped out. Five minutes later "Francis" called back to reiterate that I could collect the cheque at Centrelink Inala tomorrow and he (pretended??) to arrange an appointment at 1:00 pm and told me to bring photo ID and my Pensioner Concession Card and that I would need to fill in some forms. He then closed by stating that someone would call back to advise the name and "Badge ID" of the Centrelink official I should meet. Still waiting, of course !!!! What are these fools trying to achieve - apart from seeking (and receiving) my last age pension payment amount, I don't believe he learned much ?? Craziness !!!

Seriously funny scammers...scumbags, but ya gotta laugh at their attempt!

Started with computer generated voice saying problem with CentreLink account

Phone (02) 8378 7970 quote ref number given. The person I spoke to said I had a back payment due to me as govt had underpaid ($2480.46) and this would be sent by cheque but if I registered I could get direct deposit (like the payments are now) a refundable fee would apply. Even made an appointment at local CentreLink for me. So I went very early and guess what they had no record of an appointment and there is no back payment due.
ACCC know it is a scam CentreLink know as well.
Keep your eyes and ears open!

My 80 year old brother was just scammed by these thieves telling him they owed him money, does anyone know what he needs to do to try and recover his money?

This line has now been terminated by Operation Blackout. Guys use www.scamwatch.gov.au and report them also.

I killed the number -- I called them on multiple phones multiple times over an hour or so, they have a proper set up enabling them to que calls, as they picked up my fist call I said words to the effect of "you are a C%^T!!" and so on for each call that they picked up from the three other phones that I had available.
Happy days and importantly it was safe and fun.

Robo call to my mother. I rang and quoted their number ad they said it was a mistaken call. Smells a touch fishy

Called my 89 year old father re pension being cut off if he didn't call this number.Thought it was a scam so I called them and was evasive re the query and didn't give an Indian sounding woman his details - let her try to fill them in...she got the wrong name and asked me if my 'partner' was Mr Johnson. When I said no and didn't offer any info she said it was a mistake and she would "rectify the problem" and hung up. Scam Scam Scam.

''they stung me too. Went to Centrelink they said it is going round. Report to Scamlink.

Ive called them 6 times today just for fun. might just keep doing it to see if they will bite back

Posting as Centerlink, asks you to buy 4 $100 ITunes vouchers to receive a payout. Tell em they're dreaming

Just had the same recorded message, that I had not replied to letters sent and my file was moved to Canberra. I should ring this number and quote Reference No 080456.
If I feel like a bit of fun I might ring the number and play them along!! LOL!!

My father has just been scammed with the above, my father handed over his CRN. Do you know what any of the reported consequences are?

these idiots think that they are believable when they ask for personal details as I said being Centrelink they should know all this including how many times I have a crap. Asked for ID over phone, sure this is easy to do

It is a SCAM but Scamwatch advise that there is no way of blocking that phone number as it is not registered to any Australian Carrier. There is no body that has the investigative power to be able to do anything about it at this time. Just a shame that Centrelink are not sending out a letter/email to all recipients of any benefits to advise them of the fact that this scam is around. There are some really vulnerable people that will be hurt, especially the elderly.

Received a call that back payment was due for pension money from Centrelink. Was duped into purchasing an iTunes card for $300 to receive the payment! Watch out!

Got a recorded message from (02) 6781 2529 giving a return phone number of (02) 8378 7970 and claiming a refund due from centrelink, I'm off to give them the number that called in.

Recorded message from Centrelink saying I hadn't answered their emails or corro and I will have to contact them in Canberra .......someone with an Indian accent answered and I confirmed with him he worked for Centrelink and was based in Canberra and so as to confirm this I asked him the name of the lake in Canberra , to which he immediately hung up.....I rang him back , same voice , and he hung up again when I git to the Lake question

We just received a call from this number and when we asked if it was a scam they hung up.