NSW Police are warning Australians to stay vigilant as scammers use increasingly sophisticated tactics to pressure victims into handing over money and sensitive personal information.

Cybercrime Squad Commander Detective Superintendent Matthew Craft said scammers are targeting people with threatening phone calls designed to create panic and force quick payments.

“They will use a range of tactics to intimidate victims into acting quickly to make a payment, including threats of arrest,” Detective Superintendent Craft said.

“These threats may appear real, but they are not.”

Police say scam callers often pretend to be government agencies, banks, or law enforcement officers in an attempt to gain trust and pressure victims into transferring funds.

Detective Superintendent Craft urged anyone receiving suspicious calls to hang up immediately and report the incident to authorities.

“I would urge anyone who receives such a call to treat it with suspicion, hang up and report it to authorities,” he said.

“Do not send money to people you do not know.

“If you believe you have already lost money or provided personal information, contact police immediately.”

Authorities are reminding the public never to share financial or personal information over the phone, click on suspicious links, or visit websites provided by unknown callers.

Community members are also being warned not to respond to threats or urgent payment demands, even if the caller claims to be from a trusted organisation.

Anyone who believes they have received a scam call is encouraged to report it to the National Anti-Scam Centre. Victims who may have lost money or shared personal details should report the incident through the ReportCyber portal or contact police.

People can also attend their local police station or call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

NSW Police said multilingual officers are available at various stations, while translation tools such as the Language + App are also used to assist non-English speakers.