Think you have been scammed? These steps will help you take action to limit the damage. Know you are not alone and you can recover from this. There is support available, if and when you need it.
Act fast if you've been scammed
If you've been scammed, follow these steps to take action.
- Don't send any more money. Block all contact from the scammer.
- Contact your bank or financial institution immediately to report the scam. Ask them to stop any transactions.
- Warn your family and friends about the scam, so they can watch out for potential follow up scams.
If you've paid a scammer
If you've paid a scammer in any of these ways, here's what to do:
- Credit or debit card – Contact your bank or card provider immediately to report the scam. Ask them to stop any transactions.
- Gift card – Report it to the company who issued the card.
- Wire transfer – Report it to the wire transfer company or bank that you used.
- Money transfer app – Report it to the app provider (the seller or developer, not the app store).
- Crypto – Report it to the platform or company you used to send the money.
- Cash – If you sent by mail or delivery service, contact Australia Post or the delivery service used to see if they can intercept the package.
- Unauthorised transfer – If a scammer has transferred money without your approval, report it to your bank straight away. Ask them to freeze your accounts and transactions.
If a scammer has your personal information
For example, if your personal details (like name, phone, email, address, identity documents) have been leaked in a data breach. Here's what to do:
- Report the data breach to your financial institutions – Let your bank, super fund and any other financial services know.
- Contact IDCARE – Call 1800 595 160 (Monday to Friday, 8am–5pm). They can help you make a plan (for free) to limit the damage.
- Create a new, stronger password – Make sure you haven't used it before. If you've used the leaked password anywhere else, update it there too.
- Watch out for suspicious contact – Look for suspicious emails, phone calls, texts or messages through social media. Block or don't answer anyone you don't know. Don't click on any links.
- Monitor your bank account – Keep a close watch on your bank account for any unauthorised transactions.
- Monitor your credit report – Request a temporary ban on your credit report to ensure no unauthorised loans or credit applications can be made.
For more tips, see identity theft.
If a scammer has accessed your computer or phone
A scammer pretends to be from your internet or phone provider. They say you have a technical problem and ask for access to your device. Then they infect it with a virus, to steal your passwords and financial information. Here's what to do:
- If they accessed your computer – Update your security software and run a scan for viruses. Delete anything identified as a problem and reset your passwords.
- If they accessed your phone or phone account – Report it to your phone provider. Update your security software and run a scan for viruses. Change your passwords or pins, block scam calls and consider changing your phone number.
You could also get an IT professional to check your devices in-person.
If you still need help, phone the Australian Cyber Security Hotline on 1300 292 371 (open 24 hours, 7 days a week) for expert cyber security advice, assurance and assistance.
Watch out for follow up scams
If you've been caught up in a scam, you may be targeted in a follow-up scam. Hang up the call, or block emails or text messages, if someone:
- offers to swap your investment for another one to recover your losses
- tells you to 'hang in there' as your investment will increase in value soon
- offers to buy your shares at a premium but asks you to pay a fee to have 'restrictions' on the shares lifted
- asks you to pay a fee for a fake share certificate
- offers from a third-party organisation to recover what you lost in the scam
- claims they can recover your losses for a percentage of the recovered losses or for a fee they say is a ‘tax’, ‘deposit’, ‘retainer’ or ‘refundable insurance bond’
- asks you to pay for travel and accommodation costs to find the scammer who has taken your money
These are all tricks scammers use to get more money from you.
Report the scam
Agencies use information reported about scams to build cases against them and to warn and educate the public on how they work.
Report the scam and help others from falling victim to the scam. Information can help authorities stop the scammer.
Share your scam story to help others
Scammers manipulate and deceive you into giving them your money or personal information. They deliberately create feelings of shame, guilt, self-doubt and distrust, and can make you feel very alone.
No one is alone in the fight against scams. By sharing your story with family and friends, you can warn them about how the scam works and what to look out for.
Get support after being scammed
If a scam is causing you problems with debt, talk to a financial counsellor. This is a free and confidential service to help you get your finances back on track.
Being scammed is a horrible experience that can take a toll on your emotional wellbeing. If you need someone to talk to (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) contact:
- Lifeline — 13 11 14 or the online Crisis Support Chat
- Beyond Blue — 1300 22 4636 or Beyond Blue website