Where to get help

If you've lost money to a scam or given out your personal details to a scammer, you're unlikely to get your money back. However there are steps you can take straight away to limit the damage and protect yourself from further loss.

Contact people you know

You should warn your friends and family about scams. If you’re a business, let your industry association and other contacts know about the scam.

Contact your financial institution

If you've sent money or shared your banking details with a scammer, contact your financial institution immediately. They may be able to stop a transaction, or close your account if the scammer has your account details. Your credit card provider may be able to perform a 'charge back' (reverse the transaction) if your credit card was billed fraudulently.

If you're not sure if you're being scammed, stop sending money. Scammers will keep asking for more money until you stop.

Recover your stolen identity

If you suspect you are a victim of identity theft, it is important that you act quickly to reduce your risk of financial loss or other damages.

You can:

  • contact IDCARE - a free government-funded service which will work with you to develop a specific response plan to your situation and support you through the process. Visit the IDCARE website or call 1800 595 160 (if in Australia) or 0800 121 068 (if in New Zealand)
  • apply for a Commonwealth Victims' Certificate - a certificate helps support your claim that you've been the victim of identity crime, and can be used to help re-establish your credentials with government or financial institutions. Visit Victims of Commonwealth identity crime

Report scams to the authorities

We encourage you to report scams to the ACCC via the Report a scam webpage.

You can also report a scam to the appropriate agency to help them warn the community about scams and take action to disrupt scams.

Type of incident Agency
Banking Your bank or financial institution
Centrelink, Medicare, Child Support and myGov related scams Services Australia Scams and Identity Theft Helpdesk - call 1800 941 126

Cybercrime

ReportCyber
Financial and investment scams Australian Securities and Investments Commission
Fraud and theft

Your local police - call 131 444

In Victoria call your local police station

Image based abuse (sextortion),
cyberbullying and illegal content
Office of the eSafety Commissioner

Sextortion where the victim is under 18 years

Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation
Spam Australian Communications and Media Authority
Tax related scams

Australian Taxation Office

Get help from Australian agencies

For tips about online safety and security and an Australian Government directory for where to get help see the Be safe Be alert online quick reference guide.

Report scams to Facebook services

If you experience a scam on Facebook, Messenger, Instagram or WhatsApp you should contact the platform and inform them of the circumstances surrounding the scam.

For a step-by-step guide, see the How you can report scams on Facebook services - guidance for Australians from Facebook.

Change your online passwords

If you think your computer or device has been hacked or infected with malware or ransomware, use your security software to run a virus check if you think your computer has been compromised.

If you think one of your online accounts (e.g. your bank account, email, online shopping account or social networking site) has been compromised, you should change your password immediately. Most reputable websites provide step-by-step instructions for how you can recover a hacked account.

Contact your local consumer protection agency

While the ACCC is the national agency dealing with general consumer protection matters, state and territory agencies may also be able to assist you and also provide scam alerts and information on how to avoid them.

Contact a counselling or support service

If you or someone you know has been scammed, please talk to your GP, local health professional or someone you trust. You could also contact one of the following counselling or support services.

  • When you need support in a crisis, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 (24/7) or visit www.lifeline.org.au
  • For information about depression or anxiety, contact beyondblue on 1300 22 4636 or visit www.beyondblue.org.au
  • Free professional telephone and online counselling for anyone affected by suicide. Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467
  • Telephone and online counselling and support service for young people aged between 5 and 25 years. Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800
  • Telephone and online support, information and referral service for men with family and relationship concerns. MensLine Australia: 1300 78 99 78

More information

Protect yourself from scams

Scamwatch role

Report a scam

The ACCC provides information on the most common types of scams targeting the Australian community, and collects and publishes data on these scam types.

Scammers are getting increasingly sophisticated in their attempts to get your money or personal details. Be alert and protect yourself from being scammed by following our tips.

Read our real life stories to see how you can learn from these experiences and help stop the scams from spreading.

We've compiled a collection of online resources and useful sites to help you understand, recognise and avoid scams.