Michaela
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) has warned that scammers are impersonating law enforcement through the government’s ReportCyber platform, Australia’s national cybercrime reporting system, to defraud victims of funds from their cryptocurrency and seed wallets.
Key Points
- Key points:
- Scammers are impersonating Australian police through the government’s ReportCyber system to trick victims into giving up crypto and wallet access
- The multi-step scams involve fake reports, official-looking reference numbers, and follow-up calls claiming to be from crypto platforms to convince victims to transfer funds
Key points:
- Scammers are impersonating Australian police through the government’s ReportCyber system to trick victims into giving up crypto and wallet access.
- The multi-step scams involve fake reports, official-looking reference numbers, and follow-up calls claiming to be from crypto platforms to convince victims to transfer funds.
- Authorities stress vigilance, independent verification, strong cybersecurity, and reporting suspicious activity to protect users and the broader crypto ecosystem.
According to a media release from the AFP, the AFP-led Joint Policing Cybercrime Coordination Centre (JPC3) reported that cybercriminals have obtained personal information, such as email addresses and phone numbers, to submit false reports through ReportCyber.
In one highlighted case, a victim was contacted by someone posing as an AFP officer and told they had been implicated in a crypto-related data breach. The caller provided an official-looking reference number and instructed the victim to check the report status on the ReportCyber portal, further convincing them of the scam’s legitimacy.
The scam escalated when the victim was later contacted by someone claiming to represent the cryptocurrency platform. Using the same reference number to appear legitimate, the caller attempted to convince the victim to transfer funds from their platform wallet to a cold storage account.
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“These cybercriminals step through a process to verify the target’s personal information which may match common expectations,” AFP Detective Superintendent Marie Andersson stated. “What’s more, because they move quickly from making the report to calling the target, they can create a sense of urgency,” she added.
This incident spotlights the evolving sophistication of crypto-related scams and the growing need for vigilance among digital asset users. As cybercriminals exploit familiar structures and official-sounding channels, victims are increasingly targeted through multi-step schemes that appear legitimate.
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Experts emphasize that education, strong cybersecurity practices, and awareness of potential red flags remain critical defenses. Authorities encourage users to verify any communication independently, avoid sharing sensitive information such as wallet credentials or private keys, and report suspicious activity immediately to official channels.
The rapid growth of cryptocurrency adoption, combined with the decentralized and irreversible nature of transactions, creates opportunities for both innovation and exploitation. Users must treat unexpected requests for funds or account access with extreme caution. Staying informed about new scam tactics, employing robust security measures, and fostering a culture of skepticism can help protect both individual investors and the broader digital asset ecosystem from significant financial harm.
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MICHAELA
Michaela is a news writer focused on cryptocurrency and blockchain topics. She prioritizes rigorous research and accuracy to uncover interesting angles and ensure engaging reporting. A lifelong book lover, she applies her passion for reading to deeply explore the constantly evolving crypto world.
