Crypto Users Targeted: Scammers Impersonate Police Using Australia’s Cybercrime System
Cybercriminals in Australia are exploiting the nation’s official cybercrime reporting platform to impersonate federal cops and steal cryptocurrency, prompting pressing warnings from nationwide authorities.
The scheme, uncovered by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and its Joint Policing Cybercrime Coordination Centre (JPC3), highlights how scammers are weaponizing respectable methods to deceive victims with alarming precision.
Scammers Fake Police Identity Using ReportCyber Data
According to the AFP, fraudsters are submitting false reviews by means of ReportCyber, Australia’s official cybercrime reporting tool, utilizing stolen private particulars akin to telephone numbers and e-mail addresses.
They then contact victims whereas posing as AFP officers, claiming the person has been linked to a crypto-related investigation or information breach.
Detective Superintendent Marie Andersson said that the scheme is extremely convincing as a result of scammers use genuine-looking case numbers generated from the fraudulent submissions. “They confirm private data in ways in which match widespread expectations and act shortly to create a way of urgency,” she famous.
In one case, scammers filed a pretend report, then referred to as the sufferer with an identical reference quantity and alleged that the person’s identify appeared in a cryptocurrency breach.
A second caller, impersonating a crypto trade consultant, bolstered the deception and urged the sufferer to maneuver funds right into a “safe chilly pockets.” Fortunately, the focused person hung up earlier than transferring any cash.
Police additionally warned that the criminals usually spoof official AFP telephone numbers to extend credibility.
Authorities Urge Vigilance as Scam Activity Surges
The AFP burdened that real officers won’t ever ask for entry to crypto wallets, seed phrases, account passwords, or banking particulars. Anyone contacted a couple of ReportCyber submission they didn’t file is urged to hold up instantly and name 1300 CYBER1.
Despite the exploitation of third-party reporting options, officers emphasised that ReportCyber stays safe and continues to be a vital device in monitoring cybercriminals. Every respectable report, they stated, contributes to intelligence gathering and helps forestall future victims from being focused.
Authorities additionally highlighted that people aged 50–70 are disproportionately affected, particularly when scams contain crypto ATMs, funding schemes, and social-engineering techniques.
Australia Tightens Oversight as Crypto Scams Grow More Sophisticated
The warning comes as Australia ramps up enforcement towards crypto-related crime. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke just lately introduced sweeping powers to manage crypto ATMs, labeling them “high-risk merchandise” related to cash laundering and exploitation.
Meanwhile, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has taken down greater than 14,000 rip-off and phishing web sites since 2023, together with over 3,000 linked to crypto schemes. Regulators report that scammers are more and more utilizing AI-powered adverts, pretend exchanges, and impersonation assaults to lure victims.
As cybercriminals refine their social-engineering techniques, authorities say vigilance is the strongest protection. “Australians ought to test for warning indicators and shield themselves,” Andersson stated. “If one thing feels off, it most likely is.”
Cover picture from ChatGPT, ETHUSD chart from Tradingview
