The Australian Cybercrime Online Reporting Network was launched yesterday and is a national policing initiative that allows people to report cases of cybercrime in real time.

The ACORN will also allow access to information to help people protect themselves online.

Central Hunter crime manager Detective Inspector John Zdrilic said cybercrime had become one of the greatest challenges for police.

“Cybercrime is an evolving issue,” he said.

“As we evolve the way we do business and the way we live our lives, so does technology.

“We are so much more technology centred than 10 or 20 years ago, and much less than I’m sure we will be in 10 years time.”

Inspector Zdrilic said residents should take steps to make sure they do not become a victim of cybercrime.

“No one needs your bank account details, no government agency needs them, don’t give them out, it’s a scam,” he said.

“Be mindful of scams, if it seems to good to be true then it probably is.

“If there is a way to check these things then do so; if you’re exposed to a scam report it.”

NSW Fraud and Cybercrime Squad commander Detective Superintendent Arthur Katsogiannis said the ACORN would not replace other ways of reporting crime – face to face or by phone – but was another option victims could use to make a report.