North Brisbane police are reminding the community to remain vigilant for cybercrime and cryptocurrency scams, in particular cryptocurrency automated teller machine (CATM) scams.

Financial & Cyber Crime Group in collaboration with the Australian Federal Police Joint Police Cyber Coordination Centre (JPC3) have launched a campaign to combat CATM scams.

As part of this campaign, officers from North Brisbane Crime Prevention Units have been installing information posters and brochures on and around CATMs.

Officer with brochures

These scams are increasingly targeting vulnerable individuals and can have devastating financial impacts.

Cryptocurrency is becoming more popular, but it is also being exploited by criminals. 

Scammers often use CATMs to deceive people into investing in scams unknowingly moving stolen money.

In 2024, over $23 million was transacted through CATMs in Queensland, across more than 100 locations state wide.

Common crypto scams include impersonation scams, including fake tech support, romance scams, investment scams and job scams.

Warning signs of cryptocurrency ATM scams include:

  • Someone asks you to deposit cash into a cryptocurrency ATM for any reason.
  • There is pressure or an extreme sense of urgency to perform a transaction quickly.
  • A stranger or new romantic partner asks you to buy or invest in crypto.
  • What appears to be a government agency, utility company, or police department demand payment via a cryptocurrency ATM.
  • A cryptocurrency investment promises a “guaranteed” high return with no risk.
  • You receive an online job offer that requires you to make a cryptocurrency payment as part of your on boarding process.
Computer and mobile phone held by person.
Picture text "Warning. Is someone asking you to send cryptocurrency? It may be a scam.

Scam prevention tips:

  • Be alert: Ignore unexpected/unsolicited requests, calls or messages requesting money via CATMs.
  • Verify requests: Contact organisations directly via official channels. Do not send funds to strangers.
  • Don’t share sensitive information: Keep personal and financial details private.
  • Double check payment requests: If you received correspondence from a company saying you owe money. Use the official website to confirm email address and contact numbers.
  • Report scams: Report to the Australian Cyber Security Centre: cyber.gov.au or Scamwatch: scamwatch.gov.au  (1300 795 995).
  • Support is available via IDCARE – visit:idcare.org

You can also contact the Australian Cyber Security Hotline on 1300 292 371 for free and confidential advice.



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