Skip to main content

What to do if you've been scammed

Think you have been scammed? Take action now and know you are not alone.

Act fast if you've been scammed

If you've been scammed, follow these steps to take action.

report  If you have sent money, do not send any more. Block all contact from the scammer.

report  Report the scam to your bank or financial institution. Ask them to stop any transactions and ask them what other action you should take.

report  Warn your family and friends about the scam and be wary of follow up scams.

report  Report the scam to Scamwatch to help stop the scam and protect others.

If you've paid a scammer

If you've paid a scammer in any of these ways, here's what to do:

Bank transfer, credit or debit card – Contact your bank or card provider immediately to report the scam. Ask them to stop any transactions and ask what other action you should take.

Gift card – Report it to the company who issued the card.

Money transfer app – Report it to the app provider (the seller or developer, not the app store).

Crypto – Report it to the platform / virtual asset service provider (or digital currency exchange provider) 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. For more tips, see unauthorised and mistaken transactions.

If a scammer has your personal information

If you think the scammer has your personal details (like name, phone, email, address, identity documents), here’s what to do:

check_box Tell your financial institutions – Let your bank, super fund and any other financial services know.

check_box Contact IDCARE – Call 1800 595 160 (Monday to Friday, 8am–5pm). They can help you make a plan (for free) to limit the damage.

check_box Sign out of all accounts and devices and create new, stronger passwords – Make sure you haven't used it before. If you've used the leaked password anywhere else, update it there too.

check_box 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.

check_box Monitor your bank account – Keep a close watch on your bank account for any unauthorised transactions.

check_box Request a temporary ban on your credit report – To ensure no unauthorised loans or credit applications can be made.

check_box Request a free copy of your credit report – Check your credit report for debts, loans or credit applications you don’t recognise.

For more tips, see identity theft.

Turn on MFA for online accounts

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is when you need at least two types of actions to verify your identity, e.g. getting a text message to confirm your login. It’s easy to turn on and helps to protect your online accounts from cybercriminals. Visit the Australian Signals Directorate's Australian Cyber Security Centre (ASD’s ACSC) to find out more about MFA and how to turn it on.

If a scammer has accessed your computer or phone 

If a scammer has accessed your computer or phone, they may have access to your personal information. So, follow the tips above, and in addition:

The ASD’s ACSC provides guidance on how to report and recover from hacking, including an interactive tool to learn what steps to take. You could also get a trusted IT professional to check your devices in-person, including to help you with backing up files and/or resetting your devices.

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 scammed, you may be targeted in a follow-up scam. Hang up the call, or block emails, messages on social media or text messages, if someone:

These are all strategies scammers use to get more money from you.

Report the scam

Report all scams to Scamwatch.

Act fast if you suspect a scam

Report a scam

Scamwatch, run by the National Anti-Scam Centre (NASC), collates information about all scam types. They use this information to warn and protect the public. With your consent, the report may be shared with organisations to action scam minimisation practices, such as the removal of scam websites and online scam ads. 

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.

If you’ve contacted your financial institution about a scam and you're unhappy with the service provided you can complain. You can make a complaint against your bank, or a receiving bank, if you think they contributed to your loss. Your first step is to make a formal complaint to your financial institution via their internal dispute resolution process. If you’re unhappy with their response, you can make a complaint with the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA). 

Learn more about making a complaint.

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: