Extortion and Threat Scams in Australia: Don’t Let Fear Cost You

• Threat Scams
• Extortion
• Fraud Prevention

Learn how scammers use fines, penalties, and threats to extort money—and what steps you can take to avoid falling victim to these fear-driven scams.

Understanding Threat and Extortion Scams

Scammers often use fear to manipulate victims by posing as authorities and demanding payment for supposed penalties, debts, or legal issues. These high-pressure tactics can be distressing and convincing—especially when done via phone calls, text messages, or emails.

Common Types of Extortion Scams

• ATO Tax Debt Scams: Particularly around the end of the financial year, scammers impersonate the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), leaving voicemail or text messages demanding immediate payment for fabricated tax debts.
• Unpaid Fines Scams: Fraudsters pose as NSW Government debt collectors or Service NSW, demanding payment via SMS link or phone. Note that real NSW agencies never request payment through unsolicited text links.
• Chinese Authority Scams: Scammers masquerade as Chinese police, government or military officials. They may claim you’re implicated in a crime, have a warrant, or that documents addressed to you are intercepted—then demand money to avoid deportation or arrest.

Red Flags of Threat-Based Scams

• Unexpected contact from “authorities” demanding payment.
• Urgent threats: Statements like “pay now or face arrest, deportation, or family harm.”
• Payment methods demanded: Requiring payment via SMS links, pre-paid cards, or cryptocurrency.
• Requests for personal details: Asking for identity, bank, or payment information under threat.

How to Protect Yourself

• Stay calm and pause: Don’t act immediately—scammers rely on panic and fear.
• Never pay via SMS links or unknown payment methods: Legitimate agencies won’t request payment this way.
• Verify independently: Contact the agency directly using official phone numbers from government websites.
• Don't share personal information: Avoid giving your identity or payment details to anyone who calls or texts.
• Gather evidence: Record caller IDs, message content, and any documents.

What to Do If You’re Targeted

• Hang up immediately: If the call seems suspicious, end it.
• Report the scam: Notify your local police or call Triple Zero (000) if the threat seems urgent. Report online through Scamwatch.gov.au.
• Inform the agency involved: If impersonation of the ATO, Service NSW, or Chinese authorities occurs, contact them directly to alert them.

Stay Confident, Stay Protected

Scammers exploit fear to manipulate you into making hasty decisions. Stay informed, double-check any demands, and always take time to verify before acting. Your vigilance is your best defense.