Chinese online shops sell Australian police uniforms amid warnings of impersonation scams
Australian authorities have raised concerns after identifying Chinese online retailers selling authentic-looking police uniforms and badges. While the items are marketed to military collectors, officials warn they could be used to facilitate impersonation scams.
Why it matters
The availability of realistic law enforcement gear to the general public poses a significant security risk and potential for criminal impersonation.
A Queensland Police Service uniform sold on a Chinese e-commerce platform. ( ABC News: Kat Tse )
The ABC has identified online Chinese retailers selling Australian police uniforms, caps, badges and insignias.
The items appear indistinguishable from the real thing.
WA Police encourages anyone with information about the suspected sale, manufacture or misuse of police uniforms to report to Crime Stoppers.
Link copied Share Share article Australian police uniforms and badges are being sold on a major Chinese online shopping platform as authorities warn of a growing wave of impersonation scams.
The ABC has identified three online retailers on the Chinese e-commerce platform and one independent Chinese website selling Australian police clothing.
Items available from the different retailers include uniforms, caps, badges and insignias from Western Australia, Victoria, South Australia and Queensland police, as well as the uniform of Australian Border Force.
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