Crypto Users Targeted: Scammers Impersonate Police Using Australia’s Cybercrime System

Cybercriminals in Australia are exploiting the country’s official cybercrime reporting platform to impersonate federal police officers and steal cryptocurrency, prompting urgent warnings from national authorities. The scheme, uncovered by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and its Joint Policing Cybercrime Coordination Centre (JPC3), highlights how scammers are weaponizing legitimate systems to deceive victims with alarming precision. Scammers Fake Police Identity Using ReportCyber Data According to the AFP, fraudsters are submitting false reports through ReportCyber, Australia’s official cybercrime reporting tool, using stolen personal details such as phone numbers and email addresses. They then contact victims while posing as AFP officers, claiming the individual has been linked to a crypto-related investigation or data breach. Detective Superintendent Marie Andersson stated that the scheme is highly convincing because scammers use genuine-looking case numbers generated from the fraudulent submissions. “They verify personal information in ways that match common expectations and act quickly to create a sense of urgency,” she noted. In one case, scammers filed a fake report, then called the victim with a matching reference number and alleged that the individual’s name appeared in a cryptocurrency breach. A second caller, impersonating a crypto exchange representative, reinforced the deception and urged the victim to move funds into a “secure cold wallet.” Fortunately, the targeted user hung up before transferring any money. Police also warned that the criminals often spoof official AFP phone numbers to increase credibility. Authorities Urge Vigilance as Scam Activity Surges The AFP stressed that genuine officers will never ask for access to crypto wallets, seed phrases, account passwords, or banking details. Anyone contacted about a ReportCyber submission they did not file is urged to hang up immediately and call 1300 CYBER1. Despite the exploitation of third-party reporting features, officials emphasized that ReportCyber remains secure and continues to be a critical tool in tracking cybercriminals. Every legitimate report, they said, contributes to intelligence gathering and helps prevent future victims from being targeted. Authorities also highlighted that individuals aged 50–70 are disproportionately affected, especially when scams involve crypto ATMs, investment schemes, and social-engineering tactics. Australia Tightens Oversight as Crypto Scams Grow More Sophisticated The warning comes as Australia ramps up enforcement against crypto-related crime. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke recently announced sweeping powers to regulate crypto ATMs, labeling them “high-risk products” associated with money laundering and exploitation. Meanwhile, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has taken down more than 14,000 scam and phishing websites since 2023, including over 3,000 linked to crypto schemes. Regulators report that scammers are increasingly using AI-powered ads, fake exchanges, and impersonation attacks to lure victims. As cybercriminals refine their social-engineering tactics, authorities say vigilance is the strongest defense. “Australians should check for warning signs and protect themselves,” Andersson said. “If something feels off, it probably is.” Cover image from ChatGPT, ETHUSD chart from Tradingview