- Fraudsters exploit Australian ReportCyber system to steal cryptocurrency from victims.
- Scammers use fake AFP reports to target crypto holders in Australia.
- Aussie authorities warn citizens of rising cryptocurrency theft via scams.
Australian authorities have issued a stern warning about a new scam where cybercriminals are exploiting the country’s national ReportCyber system to steal cryptocurrency from unsuspecting victims. The scheme involves fraudsters using stolen personal information to create fake reports on the government’s official portal, ReportCyber.
These fraudulent reports, which appear legitimate, are then used by the scammers to gain the trust of victims and trick them into handing over their cryptocurrency.
The fraudsters submit these false reports through ReportCyber, which is designed to allow citizens to report cyber incidents. Once the fake reports are filed, the scammers contact the victims, posing as Australian Federal Police (AFP) officers. They provide a real reference number from ReportCyber, making their communication appear official. This tactic plays on victims’ trust in government systems, convincing them to believe the scammers’ claims.
In one instance, a victim received a call from someone claiming to be from the AFP. The caller told them that their personal details had been found in a data breach linked to cryptocurrency. The scammer then provided a reference number, encouraging the victim to check it on ReportCyber.
A subsequent call, posing as a representative from the victim’s cryptocurrency platform, instructed them to transfer their assets to a so-called “cold storage” account, which would ultimately allow the scammer to steal the victim’s funds.
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How the Scam Works
The fraudsters’ method is both clever and dangerous, as it leverages official-looking channels to deceive victims. By using stolen personal information and referencing ReportCyber, the scammers create an illusion of legitimacy that is hard to detect.
The scammers appear trustworthy by citing an official government reference number, and their false claims about data breaches related to cryptocurrency add further weight to their argument.
Detective Superintendent Marie Andersson of the AFP has warned that this scam preys on people’s trust in government systems. She stressed that Australians should remain cautious and always verify any unsolicited contact that mentions ReportCyber. If a person receives a call or message about a report they did not file, they are advised to immediately hang up and contact the AFP’s official cybercrime helpline at 1300CYBER1.
While the AFP assured the public that ReportCyber itself remains secure, they strongly urge individuals to stay vigilant. Legitimate AFP officers would never ask for access to personal crypto wallets or banking credentials. As this scheme continues to target Australian citizens, it’s crucial for people to recognize the signs of scams and avoid falling victim to these deceptive tactics.
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