The Australian Federal Police (AFP) has issued warnings about email scams where scammers impersonate the AFP, sometimes using fake subpoenas or summonses, falsely warning recipients of investigations into crimes.
Here’s a breakdown of the Australian Federal Police (AFP) email scam, how to spot it, what to do if you get one, and tips to stay safe.
⚠️ What is the AFP Email Scam
Scammers send emails pretending to be from the Australian Federal Police (AFP). These emails try to scare you into believing you’ve committed some crime, have bank/card misuse, unpaid fines, or that there’s a legal action (e.g. subpoena or court appearance). Then they demand personal info, banking info, or payments.
Some variations:
Emails that say your credit card was used in purchases linked to criminal organizations.
Messages with a “court invitation” or subpoena via email, often with attachments or prompts to download “case files.”
“Traffic fine” emails, demanding payment of a fine for negligent driving etc.
The AFP has made public statements that these are fake, and that they do not send such emails demanding personal or sensitive information or fines via email.
Also Read : 1300 365 635 | Contact Number SPER Australia
🔍 How to Spot It — Warning Signs
Here are things to check that often indicate it’s a scam:
| Red Flag | Why It’s Suspicious |
|---|---|
| Generic greeting (e.g. “Dear Sir/Madam”) | Legit authorities usually include your name. |
| Email demands you click a link or open an attachment to resolve the issue | These often redirect you to phishing sites or install malware. |
| Urgent deadline / threat of arrest, fine, or legal action | A classic tactic to panic you into acting without thinking. |
| Email uses bad grammar, spelling mistakes, or strange phrasing | Scammers often make these mistakes. |
| Sender’s email address isn’t a valid AFP domain | Could be spoofed; real AFP emails should come from official AFP domains. |
| They ask for personal, financial, or banking details, or request payment via gift cards/vouchers | Real law enforcement agencies will not do that via unsolicited email. |
🔧 What to Do If You Get One
Don’t click links or open attachments from the email.
Don’t reply or provide any personal/banking info.
Delete the email, including from your Trash/Deleted Items folder.
Update your antivirus and run a scan just to be safe.
If you clicked something or shared info, contact your bank immediately.
Report the scam: to the AFP, SCAMwatch, and/or Australian Cyber Security Centre/ReportCyber.
👮 What the AFP Says
The AFP never sends subpoenas or court orders via email.
They never demand payment via email or threaten arrest in unsolicited emails.
AFP warns that scam emails use the AFP logo and can look very official.
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