How do I report extortion calls?

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The Attorney-General's Department is unable to investigate fraud allegations relating to other Australia Government departments. The Attorney-General's Department is responsible for fraud control policy at the Commonwealth level and does not have an investigatory role.

Our role is to build the counter fraud capability of Australian Government entities.

We are unable to provide help to individuals as we do not investigate fraud.

Discover where you should go to report fraud or seek help below.

How to report fraud that occurred against me

First steps you should undertake:

• Call 000 if your life is in danger.

• Look after your mental health by reaching out to Lifeline for 24/7 crisis support on 13 11 14 or by the online chat. These types of services are here to support you during times of crisis.
• Contact IDCARE (1800 595 160) if you have concerns about your identity or related cyber security. IDCARE is a national identity and cyber support service that can help you reduce harm from identity compromise.

Secondly, make reports to:

• your local state or territory police on 131 444 or by their website:
  • Australian Capital Territory Police
  • New South Wales Police
  • Northern Territory Police
  • Queensland Police
  • South Australia Police
  • Victoria Police
  • Western Australia Police
  • Tasmania Police
• any entity involved
• Scamwatch if related to an email, online or telephone scam including scams from interstate or overseas
• Australian Securities and Investments Commission if related to a financial/investment scam or fraud
• Crime Stoppers if you require to anonymously make the report.

How to report fraud against the Australian Government

Report suspected fraud directly to the relevant entity as it will have processes in place to manage these reports:

• Report suspected Medicare, welfare and child support fraud to Services Australia.
• Report suspected Tax or Super fraud to the ATO.
• Report suspected Health or Aged Care Provider fraud to the Department of Health.
• Report suspected Child Care Provider fraud to the Department or Education, Skills and Employment.
• Report suspected National Disability Insurance Scheme fraud to the National Disability Insurance Agency.
• Report suspected visa scams to the Department of Home Affairs.
• Report suspected veterans' entitlements fraud to the Department of Veterans' Affairs.
• Report suspected passport fraud to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

If you are a current public official, you can report suspected fraud to your immediate supervisor or the internal counter fraud team/official. Alternatively, if you are a current or former public official, you can also raise your concerns through a Public Interest Disclosure (PID) direct to the authorised officer. A PID can be made by telephone, in writing (including email) or in person.

If you are unhappy with an Australian Government entity response, you can contact the Commonwealth Ombudsman who may help find a solution.

How to report fraud against an individual, private business or a state or territory government entity

Contact your local state or territory police on 131 444 or by their website:

• Australian Capital Territory Police
• New South Wales Police
• Northern Territory Police
• Queensland Police
• South Australia Police
• Victoria Police
• Western Australia Police
• Tasmania Police.

You may also be able to report suspected fraud directly to a relevant state or territory government entity.