When should I report contact with a foreign citizen?

Anyone working for a government organisation, including employees, contractors and service providers, must report suspicious contacts and requests to access your agency’s information and resources to their Chief Security Officer. This is especially important for national security clearance holders.

Be aware of the possible sources of security threats

• foreign intelligence services
• foreign officials
• political groups
• criminal organisations
• commercial businesses
• issue-motivated groups or individuals.

Watch out for people who

• ask for information about other people who work in your agency.
• ask to meet you away from your work environment.
• encourage you to participate in a dodgy or illegal activity.
• offers you hospitality or gifts.
• pay you a lot of attention — flattering you or showing sexual interest.
• are unusually interested in your work or personal activities or some specific aspect of your activities.
• Introduces you to another person who shows the same unusual level of interest.

What do you need to do

When you experience contact that seems suspicious or unusual in any way, you must report it.

Your agency should have a contact reporting form that you can use. If not, please find a contact reporting form at the bottom of this page.

More information can be found on Reporting Incidents and Conducting Security Investigations

Page last modified: 11/12/2019