Australian Scammers May Exploit ReportCyber to Impersonate Police in Crypto Thefts

• Scammers submit fake reports on ReportCyber targeting victims to mimic official investigations.

• They pose as law enforcement, directing victims to verify reports on government sites for credibility.

• Over 3,000 crypto-related scams have been dismantled in Australia since July 2023, highlighting rising sophistication in these schemes.

Australian crypto scams impersonating police via ReportCyber are on the rise, tricking victims into handing over assets. Learn how authorities are fighting back and protect yourself today—stay vigilant against unsolicited calls.

What Are Crypto Scams Impersonating Australian Police Using ReportCyber?

Crypto scams impersonating Australian police involve fraudsters exploiting the government’s ReportCyber cybercrime reporting tool to deceive victims into believing they are under official investigation. By submitting fabricated reports about targets, scammers later contact victims posing as officers, urging them to check the legitimate-looking government website for supposed evidence. This tactic lends false credibility, pressuring individuals to transfer cryptocurrency to “secure” it from alleged threats.

How Do These ReportCyber Crypto Scams Operate in Detail?

Scammers begin by using ReportCyber to file anonymous reports falsely implicating victims in cybercrimes or crypto breaches, as detailed by the Australian Federal Police. They then call the targets, claiming an arrest related to the victim’s accounts and directing them to the government portal to view the report, which appears authentic. In some instances, a secondary caller pretending to be from a crypto firm follows up, providing matching details to convince the victim to move funds to a scammer-controlled wallet. AFP Detective Superintendent Marie Andersson emphasized that these schemes mimic real law enforcement protocols, making them highly convincing; she advised terminating any unsolicited call about an unauthorized ReportCyber report and reporting it immediately. Legitimate officials never demand access to crypto wallets or personal financial details over the phone. This operation reflects a broader trend, with Australian regulators taking down over 14,000 online scams since July 2023, including more than 3,000 tied to cryptocurrency, according to reports from the Australian Securities and Investments Commission.

Cryptocurrency scammers impersonated Australian police and exploited government infrastructure to pressure victims into handing over their digital assets, the Australian Federal Police (AFP) said Thursday.

The AFP said scammers use the local cybercrime reporting tool ReportCyber to submit reports about their targets. At a later time, they contact the victims posing as police and inviting them to check the report on government websites, lending credibility to the scammers.

In one case, the scammers warned the victim that they would be contacted by a representative from a crypto company, who would also provide the report information to prove their legitimacy. This second caller then attempted to persuade the target to transfer money from their platform wallet to a wallet of their choice.

Thankfully the target became suspicious and hung up, the AFP said.

ReportCyber, Australia’s cybercrime reporting tool. Source: Australian Government

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A game of pretend

AFP Detective Superintendent Marie Andersson said the scammers falsely claimed that an individual had been arrested and the victim identified in an investigation involving a crypto breach. She noted that the scammers’ verification steps often resemble legitimate law-enforcement procedures, making the scheme “highly convincing” to some victims.

Andersson said this kind of scam is part of a broader trend in scams becoming increasingly sophisticated. She encouraged “Australians to adopt necessary safety measures online” and warned that “if you’re contacted by someone about a ReportCyber report you didn’t lodge or authorise someone to make on your behalf, terminate the call and notify ReportCyber.

“Also bear in mind legitimate law enforcement officials will never request access to your cryptocurrency accounts, wallets, bank accounts, cryptocurrency wallet seed phrases, or any personal information relating to your financial accounts.”

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Australia cracks down on crypto crime

Australian authorities have been hard at work tackling crypto crime. In late October, the AFP announced that it had cracked a coded cryptocurrency wallet backup containing 9 million Australian dollars ($5.9 million) — suspected to be the proceeds of a crime.

In late August, Australia’s markets regulator was reported to be expanding its campaign against online scams, having taken down 14,000 since July 2023, with over 3,000 involving cryptocurrency. In July, authorities in the Australian island state of Tasmania found that the top 15 users of crypto ATMs in the state were all victims of scams, with combined losses of 2.5 million Australian dollars ($1.6 million).

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Frequently Asked Questions

What Should You Do If You Receive a Suspicious Call About a ReportCyber Crypto Scam?

If you get an unsolicited call claiming involvement in a ReportCyber report related to cryptocurrency, hang up immediately and verify independently through official channels. Do not share wallet details or transfer funds, as legitimate Australian police never request such information. Report the incident directly to the AFP or ReportCyber to help authorities track these fraudsters, preventing further victimization.

Are Crypto ATMs in Australia Linked to Rising Police Impersonation Scams?

While not directly tied, investigations in Tasmania revealed that top crypto ATM users were scam victims losing $1.6 million, underscoring vulnerabilities in digital asset access points. Voice searches for scam prevention should emphasize verifying caller identity and avoiding rushed transfers; authorities recommend two-factor authentication and consulting trusted financial advisors before any crypto movement.

Key Takeaways

• Verify Sources Independently: Always check ReportCyber reports yourself without following scammer instructions to avoid falling for impersonation tactics.
• Report Suspicious Activity Promptly: Contact the Australian Federal Police or ReportCyber if targeted, contributing to the takedown of over 3,000 crypto scams since 2023.
• Enhance Personal Security: Use strong wallet protections and educate yourself on scam trends to safeguard assets amid Australia’s intensifying crackdown on crypto crime.

Conclusion

Australian crypto scams impersonating police through ReportCyber exploitation represent a sophisticated threat, but vigilant reporting and awareness can mitigate risks, as evidenced by the AFP’s recent successes in dismantling laundering rings and seizing illicit assets. With regulators like the Australian Securities and Investments Commission actively removing thousands of fraudulent schemes, the future looks promising for safer digital asset environments—stay informed and report anomalies to protect your investments.