Scammers posed as Australian police to steal crypto, AFP warns

Overview

Scammers in Australia have adopted a new tactic by impersonating police officers to facilitate cryptocurrency theft. Utilizing the government’s ReportCyber system, these fraudsters are able to lend credibility to their calls, making it easier to deceive victims.

What Happened

In a concerning development, scammers in Australia have been posing as police officers to steal cryptocurrency from unsuspecting individuals. They have leveraged the government’s ReportCyber system, which is designed to report cybercrime, to legitimize their communications. By doing so, they create an illusion of authority, making it difficult for victims to discern the legitimacy of the calls. This method of impersonation highlights the lengths to which scammers will go to exploit trust and manipulate victims into transferring their cryptocurrency assets.

Impact on the crypto market

• Increased awareness of the tactics used by scammers may lead to heightened vigilance among cryptocurrency investors.
• The incident could result in calls for improved security measures and regulations surrounding the reporting of cybercrime.
• A rise in reported scams may impact public perception of cryptocurrency, potentially influencing market confidence.
• Authorities may enhance their communication strategies to better inform the public about such scams, aiming to prevent future incidents.
• The effectiveness of the ReportCyber system in combating fraud may be called into question, prompting a review of its protocols and security features.

Updated: 11/13/2025, 11:22:06 AM