Online fraud reporting has been made
easy for the people of Australia. This
initiative was launched to encourage more people to participate in the
government's’ war against online scams. Reporting fraud plays an important role
in ending malicious schemes online. Investigation and prosecution usually start
with a single fraud report, which is why it's crucial for everyone to be
willing to take this first step.
To give you an idea about how
reporting a fraud works Australia, check out the details provided below;
How Online Fraud Reporting in
Australia Works
- Scamwatch
Scamwatch is under the Australian
Competition and Consumer Commission or ACC. It offers an online fraud reporting tool which you can use to share your experience. The site generally accepts any
type of online fraud. The main purpose of the site is to collect information on
the latest scams and spread awareness on how these scams operate.
- Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC)
Another government department that
offers online fraud report facility is the Australian Securities and
Investments Commission. The site specifically caters to victims of investment
scams. To start reporting fraud, you must fill up the complaint form. The
eComplaint form contains guide questions that can help you recount how you have
been scammed. Filling up the form takes about five to ten minutes. Once you
complete the complaint form, the site will automatically generate a reference
number for your report. A copy of the
reference number of your report may also be sent to your email including a PDF
file copy of your complaint. The details of your report will be reviewed by the
professionals in the department. They will decide to contact you to inform you
how you should proceed with your complaint.
- Australian Taxation Office
The Australian Taxation does not
have online fraud report tool, but they have a hotline where you can report
online scams related to tax. The number is 1800 008 540 and is open to receive
your calls from Mondays to Fridays, eight in the morning until 6 in the evening
AEST. You may also submit a copy of a
tax fraud scheme that you received via email to ReportEmailFraud@ato.gov.au.
- Australian Cybercrime Online Reporting Network
Australian Cybercrime Online
Reporting Network or ACORN offers a safe and secure online fraud reporting tool
that allows Australians to report any fraudulent activity that they
encounter. A reference number will be given to you as soon as you submit the
report. Note that you are not to disclose any financial information on your
report. After the moderator's review your report, it will be sent out to
appropriate agencies who can help decide on your case. Unlike specific
government departments, ACORN accepts any form of online fraud since they’ll be
forwarding it to the appropriate authorities anyway.
Government agencies and platforms
provided above are just some of the available online fraud reporting channels
for Australians. The government is working closely together with various
organizations to help promote better fraud reporting platforms, so more people
can take part in the fight against online scams.
