Where do I report a crypto scam in Australia?

Contact your bank first, then lodge a police-actionable report at ReportCyber (cyber.gov.au). Report the scam to Scamwatch so the National Anti-Scam Centre can warn others, and get free support from IDCARE on 1800 595 160.

Is a Scamwatch report the same as a police report?

No. Scamwatch reports help the National Anti-Scam Centre issue warnings but are not police-actionable. For that, lodge a report at ReportCyber (reportapp.cyber.gov.au).

Can someone recover my stolen crypto for a fee?

No. Real police and the AFP will never ask for your seed phrase, wallet access, or a transfer to safety. Anyone promising recovery for a fee is a second scam.

Reporting guide · 🇦🇺 Australia

How to report a crypto scam in Australia

Act fast. Contact your bank or crypto exchange first to try to freeze the funds, then lodge a report with ReportCyber and alert Scamwatch. Call 000 if you're in immediate danger.

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Report online — the fastest step

Lodge a police-actionable report with ReportCyber, and report the scam to Scamwatch so the National Anti-Scam Centre can issue warnings. For free, human help through the process, contact IDCARE.

ReportCyber — lodge a report → Scamwatch — report a scam →

Australian Cyber Security Hotline: 1300 292 371 (24/7). IDCARE: 1800 595 160.

Who to report to in Australia

•ReportCyber — police-actionable cybercrime report; hotline 1300 292 371.
•Scamwatch / National Anti-Scam Centre — report to help issue public warnings.
•ASIC MoneySmart — guidance; report investment/crypto scams to ASIC.
•IDCARE — free identity & cyber support; 1800 595 160.

Check before you pay

Before dealing with a platform, read ASIC MoneySmart's crypto-scams guidance and check ASIC's warnings. Scamwatch also publishes current scam alerts. Investment and crypto scams should be reported to ASIC via MoneySmart.

ASIC MoneySmart — crypto scams →

Scamwatch — news & alerts →

Where to get help & support

•IDCARE — 1800 595 160; a free case manager to walk you through recovery & identity protection.
•Scamwatch — report form and current scam alerts.

Do this right now

•Stop all contact and send no more money — including "fees" or "taxes" to withdraw.
•Contact your bank or exchange first to try to freeze the funds; call 000 if you're in danger.
•Preserve evidence: screenshots, wallet addresses, transaction hashes, the scam website or app.
•Report the scam wallet address on Chainabuse.

Australia-specific things to know

•Report to your bank/exchange first and immediately, then lodge with ReportCyber; call 000 if life is in danger.
•Scamwatch reports are not police reports — for a police-actionable report use ReportCyber. Report crypto scams to Scamwatch so the NASC can issue warnings.
•Live threat: criminals impersonate police/AFP and quote a fake ReportCyber reference number to trick victims into "moving funds to safety." Real police/AFP will never ask for your seed phrase, wallet access, or transfers.
•IDCARE (1800 595 160) is the go-to for a free human case manager.

⚠️ Beware "recovery" services. Anyone who contacts you promising to get your money back for an upfront fee is almost always a second scam. See the red flags →

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