How to report cybercrime in Australia

Not sure how or where to report cybercrime in Australia?

As technology becomes ever more omnipresent, the frequency and sophistication of cybercrime increases. In the 2023 financial year alone, approximately 94,000 cybercrime reports were filed to the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC).

Thankfully, if you have fallen victim to such an offence, there are clear steps to protecting your assets from further harm. And it all starts with reporting the cybercrime.

Here, we explain how to report cybercrime in Australia so that you can take rapid action when it matters most. Read on to learn who to notify in the aftermath of an online scam or security breach, and what the cybercrime reporting process involves.

What is cybercrime?

A cybercrime is a criminal offence committed online or through electronic devices like mobile phones and computers. It takes many forms, including:

• Cyber attacks, ransomware and malware;
• Illegal, offensive, or prohibited online content;
• Cyberbullying and online harassment;
• Online scams like cryptocurrency fraud and romance fraud;
• Phishing attacks; and
• Identity theft.

How to report cybercrime after your money or personal details have been stolen

If your money or personal information has been stolen, you must report the cybercrime to ReportCyber without delay. Run by the ACSC, ReportCyber is the Australian Government’s online tool for reporting cybercrime.

You can file a report for yourself or on behalf of another person, a business, or a government body.

This report will help to ensure the matter is directed to the appropriate law enforcement agency for investigation.
 

Filling out your report

It’s important to provide as much detail as you can in your report. This includes but is not limited to:

• Full names and usernames, where applicable;
• Phone numbers and email addresses;
• Bank account and transaction data; and
• Links to social media accounts, websites and any other online assets that may be useful.

You’ll be asked to answer questions about the incident, which should take approximately 10 to 15 minutes.

Make sure to read each prompt carefully and answer all possible questions as when submitting a report.

Additionally, if you have already reported a cybercrime to ReportCyber, you do not need to submit another report on the same issue.

What happens after you report cybercrime

After submitting your report, it will receive a unique reference number. This number serves as proof of your ReportCyber report and may be requested by financial institutions or other organisations during a cybercrime investigation.

You will also be instructed to download a copy of the report. It’s important to do so immediately, as you won’t be able to access it once this page is closed.
 

Assessing your cybercrime report

The ACSC will assess your report to determine if it should be forwarded to law enforcement agencies for potential investigation.

Whether your report is referred to law enforcement relies on numerous factors, including the nature and severity of the incident, the jurisdiction in which the crime took place, and the amount of information available about the suspected offender.

Know that all reports submitted to the ACSC are taken very seriously, as each one builds their understanding of cybercrime activity impacting Australians.

Keep reading to learn how to report cybercrime in different circumstances.

How to report a cybercrime that failed to steal from you

Suspect that you’ve been targeted by a cybercrime? Even if you’ve managed to avoid sending any money or sharing personal information, it’s important to spread the word.

To do this, report the scam to Scamwatch.

Run by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), Scamwatch was set up to put a stop to scams and warn the public of their operations. Your report will help them on this mission.

Can I report cybercrime anonymously?

Yes, you can report a cybercrime anonymously if you’d prefer not to disclose your personal details.

Even with an anonymous report, the Australian Cyber Security Centre will collect and retain the information provided. This data will be leveraged in statistical and analytical applications.

However, bear in mind that you will not receive any follow-up contact regarding your report.

Tips for reporting cybercrime in Australia

When it comes to how to report cybercrime, it pays to follow these best practices:

• Notify your bank of the cybercrime as soon as possible, especially if you’ve lost money. They may be able to freeze your account and stop pending transactions.
• Provide as much written information as possible in your ReportCyber report, which does not allow you to upload file attachments.
• Create and safely store proof of the cybercrime before it is erased. For instance, keep screenshots, emails and chat logs of any interactions with the criminal. This evidence may be useful later.

How to avoid falling victim to cybercrime

Safeguarding yourself from cybercrime needn’t be complex. Follow these straightforward tips to ward off cybercriminals:

• Never share personal information over the phone or online.
• Use strong, unique passwords and keep them protected.
• Ensure your device is always up to date with the latest security software.
• Configure your computer and internet browser securely.
• Regularly review your bank and credit card statements for any unauthorised transactions.

Book a cybercrime investigation now

Understanding how to report cybercrime is critical to recovering your losses after an online scam or security breach.

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Gain the expert support of Bureaus FTC Report. Our private intelligence and investigations firm empowers victims of cybercrime to track down offenders, bring the truth to light and seek justice.

We have been strictly vetted by the NSW Police Force in Australia and the State of Florida in the USA. Book a consultation now to begin your cybercrime investigation.