Importance of tip-offs
We know most people are honest and do the right thing. But there are a small number of people who try to gain an unfair advantage over others by intentionally doing the wrong thing. We have processes in place to find and prevent non-compliance. Tip-offs are one of the ways we find people doing the wrong thing. Tip-offs help stop misconduct, reduce harm, and improve behaviour across the personal insolvency system.
If we think someone has done the wrong thing, we’ll investigate it.
How to report
It only takes a few minutes to make a tip-off and you can remain anonymous. If you know or suspect wrongdoing, criminal misconduct, dishonesty, or fraud you can report it by:
- completing and submitting the tip-off form online
- phoning us on 1300 364 785
- downloading a copy of the form and writing to us – mark all letters 'in confidence' and post to
Australian Financial Security Authority
GPO Box 1550
Adelaide SA 5001
If you have difficulty speaking or understanding English, contact us through the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) on 131 450 and ask for AFSA on 1300 364 785.
If you know or suspect that anyone has misused the Personal Property Security Register (PPSR), please report it to us.
Who you can report
You can report a person, business or organisation involved in personal insolvency, such as bankruptcy, debt agreements or personal insolvency agreements.
This can include the following:
- practitioners such as trustees or debt agreement administrators.
- people who owe money or are in an insolvency agreement (debtors/bankrupts).
- people who are owed money (creditors).
- other people or organisations involved in the personal insolvency industry.
How to make a good tip-off
When making a tip-off, the more information you give us, the better we can investigate. Even if you only know partial details or can only complete some sections of the tip-off form, this information is still very useful.
Useful information includes:
- details about the person/s involved, such as names, phone numbers, addresses, and relevant organisations.
- details about a bankrupt/s business, such as name of business, ABN, business address, phone number, website.
- information about actions or activities you think are a misuse of the system, including how, when and where it occurred.
- information about misleading behaviour including hiding or acquiring new income or assets.
- instances involving untrustworthy advisors, such as receiving advice that seems inappropriate, misleading, or questionable.
We ask for your contact details in case we need further information. However, you can choose to remain anonymous.
What we do with tip-offs
When we receive information through a tip-off, we cross check the information and assess whether further action is required.
Due to privacy laws, we may not be able to tell you of the outcome of our investigation. We also might not be able to provide you with progress updates. Rest assured we take all reports seriously. If we find enough evidence of criminal behaviour, we may take further steps to refer cases to the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions. This may lead to criminal charges and jail.
Reporting tip-offs to other authorities
AFSA can only act on concerns that relate to our area of regulatory responsibility. If the information you are reporting does not relate to personal insolvency or the Personal Property Securities Register, please contact the relevant authority below.
Brokers, lenders and mortgage fraud
If you've encountered issues with brokers or lenders, you can lodge a complaint with the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA). For serious misconduct, or if you suspect mortgage fraud has occurred, report the issue to the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).
Company-related matters
Company-related matters, including insolvent trading and phoenix activity, can be referred to ASIC.
Consumer rights for products and services
Report consumer issues to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) to help identify and address harmful business practices.
Illegal activity and crimes
Illegal/criminal activities by individuals can be referred to the Australian Federal Police or call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Money laundering
Report suspicious transactions or potential money laundering activities to Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC) or Australian Taxation Office (ATO).
Scams
Report various types of scams and fraud, including phishing and identity theft, to ScamWatch.
Tax fraud
Tax frauds, unregistered business and unpaid superannuation can be reported to the ATO.
Visa fraud
Visa fraud can be reported to the Department of Home Affairs.
Workplace issues
Unpaid wages and other workplace entitlements can be reported to the Fair Work Ombudsman.