Is this text or email from Australian Federal Police a scam?
Government agencies are a favourite scam disguise, and Australian Federal Police is one of the names scammers hide behind most — a message about a fine, refund or account problem makes people act fast. A text, email or call that looks like it's from Australian Federal Police can be genuine — but it can just as easily be a scam built to look identical. The good news: a few quick checks almost always tell a real Australian Federal Police message from a fake.
Genuine Australian Federal Police links only ever go to afp.gov.au. Below is exactly what a real Australian Federal Police message looks like, the scams currently circulating in its name, the red flags that give a fake away, and a real example to compare against. Got a message in front of you? Check it now for an instant verdict.
What a real Australian Federal Police message looks like
Genuine messages from Australian Federal Police only ever link to afp.gov.au.
- Genuine AFP contact about a warrant or investigation begins with an in-person visit or a letter posted to your address, never a cold phone call.
- Real AFP officers identify themselves by name and badge number and will let you verify their identity through afp.gov.au.
- The AFP does not ask for payment, gift cards, cryptocurrency or bank transfers to resolve legal matters.
- Official AFP correspondence uses the domain afp.gov.au and is signed by named officers with contact details listed on the letterhead.
- The AFP will never threaten immediate arrest over the phone or demand you keep the call secret.
Crucially, Australian Federal Police will never demand payment by gift card, cryptocurrency or an urgent bank transfer, or threaten you with immediate arrest or deportation.
Common Australian Federal Police scams
- Scammers call claiming a warrant has been issued in your name and insist the only way to avoid arrest is to pay immediately by gift card or cryptocurrency.
- Caller ID is spoofed to display a genuine AFP number, making the call appear to come from the real Australian Federal Police.
- The caller pressures the victim to stay on the line, move to another app, or transfer funds before speaking to a 'supervisor' or 'magistrate'.
Red flags to watch for
- Any phone call demanding immediate payment to clear an alleged AFP warrant is fake.
- Requests to pay with iTunes, Steam or cryptocurrency gift cards to resolve a legal matter are never legitimate AFP procedure.
- Threats that you must not tell anyone or you will be arrested are a common social-engineering tactic used by impersonators.
- The caller refuses to give a verifiable case reference number that can be checked on afp.gov.au.
- Pressure to act within minutes and refusal to send written confirmation are hallmarks of AFP impersonation scams.
Scam text examples
Here's a real example of a scam message impersonating Australian Federal Police, with the tell-tale red flags highlighted. Compare it against anything you've received.
This is Sergeant Clarke from the Australian Federal Police. A warrant has been issued for your arrest over unpaid fines. To stop police attending your address today you must pay $1,850 immediately using Apple gift cards. Do not tell anyone about this call or the warrant will be executed.
What gives it away:
- Any phone call demanding immediate payment to clear an alleged AFP warrant is fake.
- Requests to pay with iTunes, Steam or cryptocurrency gift cards to resolve a legal matter are never legitimate AFP procedure.
- Threats that you must not tell anyone or you will be arrested are a common social-engineering tactic used by impersonators.
- The caller refuses to give a verifiable case reference number that can be checked on afp.gov.au.
- Pressure to act within minutes and refusal to send written confirmation are hallmarks of AFP impersonation scams.
Not sure about your message?
Paste the suspicious Australian Federal Police text or email and get an instant scam verdict, free.
How to verify a message from Australian Federal Police
- Visit afp.gov.au and use the contact form or published phone numbers listed on the official site
- Report suspected impersonation to the AFP via the details published at afp.gov.au
Where to report a scam impersonating Australian Federal Police
Received — or fell for — a message impersonating Australian Federal Police? Report it. It helps authorities and carriers shut the campaign down for everyone who gets the next one.
- Scamwatch — Report the scam to the ACCC's national scam service.
- ReportCyber — Report cybercrime and financial loss to the police.
- ACMA — Report scam texts and spam SMS or calls.
- Forward to 7226 (SPAM) — Forward the scam SMS to short code 7226 so your carrier can block the source.
- IDCARE — Free identity and cyber support if your details were taken.
Frequently asked questions
I received a call from someone claiming to be the AFP saying there is a warrant out for me — is it a scam?
Yes. The real Australian Federal Police do not issue warrants or demand payment by phone. Hang up, do not transfer any money, and check afp.gov.au yourself to confirm.
The caller ID showed a real AFP number — does that mean the call is genuine?
No. Scammers routinely spoof official AFP numbers. Treat any unexpected demand for payment or personal details as suspicious regardless of the displayed caller ID.
What should I do if I have already sent money after an AFP impersonation call?
Contact your bank or gift-card provider immediately to request a stop or reversal, then report the scam to Scamwatch at scamwatch.gov.au and to ReportCyber at cyber.gov.au.
How can I check whether a call or letter is really from the Australian Federal Police?
Independently look up contact details on afp.gov.au and call the number listed there. Never use a phone number given to you during the suspicious call.
Related scam types
Scams impersonating Australian Federal Police usually fit one of these patterns. Learn how each works:
Related brands
Other government names scammers impersonate — check a message from one:
This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice — always verify with Australian Federal Police through an official channel.