Australia’s Federal Police have warned of a sophisticated crypto scam exploiting the ReportCyber platform to impersonate officers and steal digital assets. Fraudsters file fake reports using stolen personal data, then contact victims with urgency to drain wallets. Vigilance is key—never share seed phrases or access with unsolicited callers.
Fraudsters misuse ReportCyber, Australia’s national cybercrime reporting system, by submitting false reports with victims’ stolen info to build credibility.
Scammers pose as Australian Federal Police (AFP) officers, providing reference numbers that match the fake reports to convince victims.
In 2024, Australian regulators dismantled over 3,000 crypto scam websites, highlighting the rising threat of digital currency fraud, according to the Australian Securities and Investments Commission.
Australia crypto scam using ReportCyber targets wallets—AFP warns of impersonation tactics. Learn how fraudsters exploit the system and protect your assets today. Stay vigilant against cyber threats in 2025.
What is the Australia crypto scam using ReportCyber?
The Australia crypto scam using ReportCyber involves cybercriminals weaponizing the government’s official cybercrime reporting platform to impersonate federal authorities and steal cryptocurrency holdings. Fraudsters obtain personal details like email addresses and phone numbers illicitly, then file fraudulent reports on behalf of victims through ReportCyber. This creates a veneer of legitimacy, allowing scammers to contact targets posing as Australian Federal Police (AFP) officers, urging hasty transfers to fake wallets under the guise of resolving a security issue.
How does the ReportCyber crypto scam operate in detail?
The scam begins with criminals accessing stolen personal information, which they use to submit fake cybercrime reports via ReportCyber, the platform managed by the Australian Cyber Security Centre. This third-party reporting feature, intended to help others report incidents, is twisted to generate official-looking reference numbers. According to AFP Detective Superintendent Marie Andersson, scammers “verify personal information in ways that match common expectations” and act swiftly to instill urgency, making the ploy harder to detect.
In a typical case outlined by the AFP, a victim receives a call from someone masquerading as an officer, informed that their name surfaced in a crypto-related data breach. The caller provides a ReportCyber reference number, which the victim can verify on the platform—seemingly confirming the claim. A follow-up call, often from a spoofed number mimicking legitimate AFP lines or even a crypto exchange, pressures the victim to transfer funds to a “secure” cold storage wallet controlled by the fraudsters.
One reported incident involved a victim who grew suspicious mid-conversation and ended the call without transferring assets, but authorities note many similar schemes succeed due to the convincing setup. Andersson emphasized in the AFP statement that genuine officers never request access to crypto accounts, seed phrases, or banking details. The Joint Policing Cybercrime Coordination Centre, led by the AFP, has identified this as part of a broader pattern where scammers exploit trusted government systems.
Supporting data from regulatory bodies underscores the scam’s context: The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) removed approximately 3,015 crypto scam websites over two years ending in 2024, contributing to 14,000 total fraudulent sites taken down. Meanwhile, AUSTRAC’s CEO Brendan Thomas described digital currencies as a top threat in a July 2024 statement, amid new anti-money laundering laws hailed as the most significant overhaul in a generation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can Australians protect themselves from the ReportCyber crypto scam?
Australians should verify any unsolicited contact claiming to be from the AFP by hanging up and calling the official line at 1300 CYBER1. Never share crypto wallet details, seed phrases, or financial information with callers. Report suspicious activity directly through ReportCyber yourself, and use multi-factor authentication on exchanges to safeguard assets—authorities stress these steps prevent most impersonation frauds.
What should I do if I get a call about a crypto issue from someone claiming to be the AFP?
If you receive such a call, remain calm and do not engage—end the conversation immediately. Contact the Australian Cyber Security Centre at 1300 CYBER1 to report it, as legitimate AFP officers won’t demand crypto access or urgent transfers. This natural response helps authorities track scammers and protects your digital wallet from theft.
Key Takeaways
- ReportCyber exploitation highlights system vulnerabilities: Fraudsters use third-party reporting to fake credibility, but genuine AFP communications never request private keys.
- Regulatory crackdown intensifies: ASIC’s removal of thousands of scam sites and AUSTRAC’s AML reforms signal stronger defenses against crypto fraud in Australia.
- Immediate action saves assets: Verify claims independently and report suspicious calls to 1300 CYBER1 to aid law enforcement efforts.
Conclusion
The Australia crypto scam using ReportCyber exemplifies how cybercriminals prey on trust in official systems to target digital assets, as warned by the Australian Federal Police and supported by ASIC and AUSTRAC data. By staying informed and verifying contacts, individuals can mitigate risks amid evolving threats. As regulators like Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke push for crypto ATM controls and broader fraud prevention, the focus remains on empowering users—report incidents promptly and secure your wallets to navigate the crypto landscape safely in the coming years.