Australian Crypto Holders Targeted by Sophisticated Police Impersonation Scam

TLDR:

• Scammers file false ReportCyber reports to gain victim trust before requesting wallet access
• Fraudsters pose as AFP officers and crypto platform reps using real case numbers and spoofed phones
• Legitimate police never request cryptocurrency wallet access or seed phrases during investigations
• ReportCyber platform remains secure despite criminals exploiting its third-party reporting feature

Australians are facing a new wave of cryptocurrency scams involving police impersonation. Criminals are using personal data to submit fake reports to the national cybercrime portal, ReportCyber. 

Victims are then contacted by scammers claiming to be law enforcement and asked to transfer crypto funds. The scam has prompted authorities to issue warnings and reinforce security measures for crypto users.

Police Impersonation Crypto Scam Hits Australians

Scammers are exploiting the AFP-led Joint Policing Cybercrime Coordination Centre, or JPC3, to target crypto holders. 

They obtain personal information, including email addresses and phone numbers, and file fraudulent cybercrime reports. This allows them to make their approach appear official and credible. Once contacted, victims receive an authentic-looking reference number to verify the report.

The scam involves multiple steps designed to build trust. The first call comes from someone claiming to be the AFP, alerting the target to a supposed data breach. Victims are then instructed to check the report on ReportCyber, using their own email addresses. This step reinforces legitimacy and encourages compliance.

In some cases, scammers employ spoofed phone numbers. A second caller pretends to represent a cryptocurrency platform and provides the same reference number. They then pressure victims to transfer funds to a so-called “Cold Storage” wallet. 

Authorities report that vigilance helped some targets recognize the scam and terminate the calls.

Det-Supt Marie Andersson notes that these scams create a false sense of urgency. Cybercriminals leverage self-reporting and rapid follow-ups to exploit trust. The sophisticated approach demonstrates a growing trend in targeted crypto crimes. 

Law enforcement urges caution and verification before engaging with unsolicited calls.

Protecting Crypto Wallets from Emerging Scams

Australians are encouraged to use ReportCyber safely to report actual cybercrimes. Legitimate officials never request cryptocurrency access, seed phrases, or banking details. 

Individuals should remain wary of unexpected calls and verify any suspicious contact through official channels. Authorities recommend stopping communication immediately if a report was not authorized.

Experts emphasize awareness as a critical defense. Users should review emails and messages for inconsistencies and avoid disclosing personal data. Regularly updating security settings on wallets and exchanges adds another protective layer. 

Education on scam tactics remains a priority to prevent financial losses in the crypto community.

Crypto platforms also play a role in fraud prevention. By informing users of potential impersonation attempts, platforms can reduce the likelihood of successful scams. 

Coordinated reporting to authorities helps law enforcement track trends and enhance protective measures. Collective vigilance strengthens the security of Australia’s crypto ecosystem.

The JPC3 coordinates across law enforcement, industry, and international partners. Its mission is to prevent cybercrime and financial harm through intelligence sharing. Each legitimate cybercrime report contributes to understanding emerging threats. 

Authorities remain committed to equipping Australians with the tools to protect digital assets.

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