Is this text or email from Victoria Police a scam?
Government agencies are a favourite scam disguise, and Victoria 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 Victoria 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 Victoria Police message from a fake.
Genuine Victoria Police links only ever go to police.vic.gov.au. Below is exactly what a real Victoria 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 Victoria Police message looks like
Genuine messages from Victoria Police only ever link to police.vic.gov.au.
- Genuine Victoria Police messages come from police.vic.gov.au email addresses or from the 131 444 non-emergency line.
- Victoria Police will never contact you out of the blue to demand money, gift cards or cryptocurrency.
- Official correspondence arrives by letter on Victoria Police letterhead or through the police.vic.gov.au portal after you have lodged a report.
- When Victoria Police need payment they direct you to an authorised payment channel listed on police.vic.gov.au, never to a random phone number.
- Real officers identify themselves with a name, rank and station and give you the option to call 131 444 to verify.
Crucially, Victoria Police will never demand payment by gift card, cryptocurrency or an urgent bank transfer, or threaten you with immediate arrest or deportation.
Common Victoria Police scams
- Scammers spoof calls claiming an arrest warrant or fine and insist you pay immediately with gift cards or bank transfer.
- Fraudsters send SMS or email pretending to be Victoria Police with a link that installs malware or asks for personal details.
- Impostors use the 131 444 number on caller ID while actually calling from overseas, then pressure the recipient to act quickly.
Red flags to watch for
- Caller or message demands immediate payment by gift card, cryptocurrency or bank transfer.
- Threat of arrest, vehicle impoundment or jail unless you pay or provide details right now.
- Link in an SMS or email that leads to a site other than police.vic.gov.au.
- Caller refuses to let you hang up and call 131 444 to verify the request.
- Message uses urgent language such as “final notice” or “warrant expires today”.
Scam text examples
Here's a real example of a scam message impersonating Victoria Police, with the tell-tale red flags highlighted. Compare it against anything you've received.
Victoria Police: Warrant issued for unpaid fine. Pay $850 in Bitcoin within 2 hours or face arrest. Click vicpol-fine-payment.com to settle now.
What gives it away:
- Caller or message demands immediate payment by gift card, cryptocurrency or bank transfer.
- Threat of arrest, vehicle impoundment or jail unless you pay or provide details right now.
- Link in an SMS or email that leads to a site other than police.vic.gov.au.
- Caller refuses to let you hang up and call 131 444 to verify the request.
- Message uses urgent language such as “final notice” or “warrant expires today”.
Not sure about your message?
Paste the suspicious Victoria Police text or email and get an instant scam verdict, free.
How to verify a message from Victoria Police
- Non-emergency: 131 444
- Emergency: 000
- Type police.vic.gov.au yourself to check any request or report a suspicious call
Where to report a scam impersonating Victoria Police
Received — or fell for — a message impersonating Victoria 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 Victoria Police saying I owe money — is it a scam?
Victoria Police never demand payment over the phone. Hang up, wait five minutes and call 131 444 yourself using the number on police.vic.gov.au to check.
Is a text from Victoria Police with a link real?
Victoria Police do not send SMS links asking for payment or personal details. Delete the message and report it at scamwatch.gov.au.
How do I confirm a Victoria Police email is genuine?
Check the sender address ends with @police.vic.gov.au and never click links; instead go directly to police.vic.gov.au and log in or call 131 444.
Related scam types
Scams impersonating Victoria 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 Victoria Police through an official channel.