What is Fraud?
Fraud is the deliberate act of deceiving someone to gain something of value, typically money or property. Fraud is illegal and punishable by law. It can have severe financial and emotional consequences for the victims. Fraud incidents are on the rise in NSW, with the growing use of technology and digital platforms contributing to the increase in fraudulent activities.
What to do if you are a victim of a scam or a fraud.
If there is an immediate threat to life or risk of harm, please call 000.
Has a physical crime been committed?
(A physical crime is where a physical item has been stolen, such as your credit or debit card or you have been physically assaulted).
YES - Contact your financial institution to report stolen cards. Then report the incident to your local Police Station in person or call the Police Assistance Line on 131 444. You can complete a Fraud Report Form prior to attending the Police Station.
NO - Have you suffered a financial loss, or been the victim of online abuse?
(Financial loss is where you have had money or assets like cryptocurrency stolen. Online abuse is behaviour that has threatening, intimidating, harassing, or humiliating effect on a person.)
YES - Contact your financial institution immediately. Report the scam in person at your local Police Station, over the phone via the Police Assistance Line (131 444) or online at ReportCyber
NO - Report the scam to ScamWatch
Has your personal information been stolen?
(Personal information is anything that can be used to impersonate you. For example, your name, date of birth, contact details, drivers’ licence or other identification credentials that can be used to log into services such as MyGov, email or social media accounts.)
YES - Contact ID Support NSW
Scams, Cybercrime and Cyberbullying
Act Now, Stay Secure - What are you risking online? That is the question we are asking all Australians as part of the Australian Governments ‘Act Now, Stay Secure’ campaign, New South Wales Police are encouraging everyone to improve their cyber security through simple actions like creating strong and unique passphrases. You can test the strength of your password using ID Support’s password tool.
Other tips and trick to stay safe online at Act Now. Stay Secure.
Report a cybercrime to police at ReportCyber or in person at your local police station.
Identity Crime
If you've been a victim of Identity theft or crime, contact police on 131 444 for further advice and assistance. You should also contact your financial institution.
The NSW Government established ID Support NSW to help people understand how to protect your government issued proof of identity credentials and prevent identity crime. ID Support can also support you if your identity falls into the wrong hands.
IDCARE is Australia and New Zealand's national identity & cyber support service. They help individuals and organisations reduce the harm they experience from the compromise and misuse of their identity information by providing effective response and mitigation.
Other Useful Links
- Scamwatch provides information to consumers and small businesses about how to recognise, avoid and report scams.
- The Australian Signals Directorate provides advice and information about how to protect yourself online.
- To report suspicious business activity or for information in relation to finance scams go to the Australian Securities and Investment Commission
- Report SPAM and unsolicited emails to Australian Communications and Media Authority, the ‘Do not call register’ can also be accessed via this website.
- The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority oversees conduct of participants of superannuation industry.
- Australian Federal Police
- Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre
- NSW Registry of Births, Deaths, and Marriages provides information on reducing identity theft.