How to Report a Crypto Scam to ASIC or the ATO (Australia 2025 Guide)

Crypto scams are getting smarter in 2025 — but so are Aussie investors. If you’ve been tricked by a fake trading platform, rug pull, or dodgy “crypto expert,” you’re not alone. And yes, you can report it.

In this article we’ll take you through a step-by-step guide on how to report a crypto scam in australia (is it isic(australian securities and investments) a to the ATO or at the local cop shop?

Let’s stop these scammers getting away they won’t like this.

Step 1

Here are some common types of scams Aussies are reporting in 2025:

• Fake crypto trading platforms or wallets
• Romance scams involving crypto transfers
• Phishing emails pretending to be exchanges
• Ponzi or pyramid schemes using crypto
• Telegram or WhatsApp “investment groups”
• “Pump and dump” altcoin projects

If you’ve lost money, seen suspicious activity, or almost got tricked — you can report it, even if the scammer is overseas.

Where to Report a Crypto Scam in Australia

1. Report to ASIC

ASIC handles investment-related scams — like fake platforms, pump-and-dump coins, or unlicensed crypto “brokers.”

🔗 Where to report:
https://asic.gov.au/about-asic/contact-us/how-to-complain/

Provide:

• Screenshots of chats or fake websites
• Bank or crypto wallet transaction details
• Names of people, platforms, or Telegram groups

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2. Report to ATO (If Tax Fraud is Involved)

The ATO won’t chase your scammer, but if someone is promoting illegal tax schemes using crypto (like hiding assets or promising “tax-free” mining/staking), you can report them here:

🔗 Report Tax Evasion:
https://www.ato.gov.au/tipoffform

Use this for:

• Fake tax advisors promising to “wipe your crypto tax”
• People hiding large crypto income
• MLM-style tax fraud involving crypto

3. Report to Scamwatch (ACCC)

Scamwatch, run by the ACCC, collects scam data and helps warn others.

🔗 https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/report-a-scam

While they won’t investigate individual cases, your report helps protect future victims.

4. Report to Your Local Police or ACORN

If you’ve lost a large amount of money, you should also file a report with your state or territory police.

🔗 National cybercrime reporting:
https://www.cyber.gov.au/report-and-recover

This routes through the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) and ACORN, helping authorities track major scam operations.

Can You Get Your Money Back?

In most cases, crypto scam losses are not recoverable — especially if the funds were sent to unknown wallets or overseas platforms.

However, you should still report it because:

• Authorities may track larger criminal networks
• Your report may help block the scammer’s accounts
• Some banks or exchanges may flag suspicious activity faster

Tip: If you used a credit card or bank transfer before converting to crypto, contact your bank immediately. They may reverse the transaction if it’s early enough.

What to Include in Your Report

Be as elaborate as you can. Include:

• Names, emails, user names or links to sites
• Chat, transaction or scam promotion screenshots
• The wallet address you sent funds to
• Description of what happened and when

Final Thoughts

Crypto is here to stay — but the scammers are too. The good thing? Australia is getting tough with new regulations, better surveillance and reporting.

If you’ve been scammed, don’t stay silent. Report it.
It might not get your money back, but it helps protect the entire community.

And remember:
If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

FAQs – Reporting Crypto Scams in Australia