Australian authorities have issued a public warning about a surge in cryptocurrency scams exploiting the national cybercrime reporting platform, ReportCyber. Fraudsters have been impersonating police officers and other officials to trick victims into transferring digital assets. These scams often target inexperienced crypto users, leveraging a false sense of urgency and authority to extract payments. Authorities emphasize vigilance and urge users to verify any communication before acting.
Scammers Exploit ReportCyber and Police Impersonation to Steal Crypto
The scam relies on exploiting official channels to appear legitimate. Criminals contact victims claiming to be law enforcement investigating suspicious transactions. They instruct victims to move crypto to “safe wallets” under the guise of protecting funds. By impersonating police, scammers create a high-pressure environment that coerces victims into immediate action without proper verification. Authorities stress that no legitimate police or government body would request direct cryptocurrency transfers.
Authorities report a rise in these scams targeting Australian crypto holders. Recent investigations revealed multiple cases where victims lost thousands of dollars in Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other tokens. Fraudsters often use personal information obtained online to increase the credibility of their calls. Law enforcement encourages users to report suspicious interactions on ReportCyber but reminds them to confirm legitimacy independently. Scammers frequently manipulate the platform’s name to gain trust.
Preventive measures focus on education and verification. Crypto users are advised to enable two-factor authentication, double-check wallet addresses, and avoid sharing private keys or recovery phrases. Officials also recommend contacting law enforcement directly through official channels if approached with urgent requests. Public awareness campaigns aim to reduce losses and help users recognize the signs of impersonation scams. Authorities remind that cryptocurrencies are irreversible by nature, making vigilance essential.
The broader message is clear: scammers are increasingly sophisticated, and users must exercise caution. Combining impersonation, official platform misuse, and urgent threats, these schemes illustrate the evolving risks in crypto adoption. Education, verification, and prompt reporting remain the strongest tools to protect assets and personal information in the growing digital financial landscape.