Hackers used an Australian cyber police platform to steal cryptocurrency.
Date: 2025-11-14 Author: Oliver Abernathy Categories: BUSINESS
Unknown criminals gained access to personal information, including email addresses and phone numbers, through the Joint Police and Cybercrime Coordination Centre (JPCCC), AFP reports. This data allowed them to send fake requests to Australian residents through the ReportCyber system, which is designed to report cybercrime.
In one case, a victim received a call from someone claiming to be a police officer, claiming their name was involved in a crypto wallet data breach. They provided a ReportCyber incident reference code. A check on the official website revealed that the email address was indeed listed, creating the illusion of authenticity.
Then, the scammers contacted the victim, claiming to be from the exchange's support team, offering to transfer funds to a "secure wallet." The victim, suspicious, ended the call, thereby avoiding losses. Similar methods, including spoofing phone numbers, have been used in other cases to convince people the calls were legitimate.
AFP Detective Superintendent Marie Anderson noted that the scheme was designed to create the "appearance of legitimacy": "The cybercriminals verify the victim's personal details according to expected procedures, and then quickly proceed with the call, creating a sense of urgency."
She emphasized that this case demonstrates the growing sophistication of scammers using psychological tactics to manipulate Australians' trust.
It's worth noting that similar attacks in Australia have previously resulted in significant losses. In September, one user lost 783 BTC when criminals, using social engineering techniques, impersonated representatives of a crypto exchange and hardware wallet support service.
Experts advise being especially wary of any calls or messages requesting transfers of funds and verifying information only through official channels. Modern scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and even a small misstep can lead to significant financial losses.
AFP urges residents to use two-factor authentication, not disclose personal information over the phone, and carefully verify any request purportedly from official services. Amid the growing number of cyberattacks, vigilance and caution remain key protective measures.
