AFTER A SCAM
What to do if you’ve been scammed
Stop contact with the scammer. If you paid or shared financial details, call your bank straight away. Follow the steps below to secure accounts, protect exposed identity details and report the scam.
Last reviewed · General information, not legal or financial advice. How we write these guides
Steps to take, in order
Now
Stop all contact
Don’t reply, click links or send more money, even if the scammer pressures you or promises a refund.
Call your bank straight away
If you paid or shared card or banking details, call your bank on the number on your card or in its app. Acting quickly gives the best chance of stopping a payment.
If details were exposed
Secure your accounts
Change passwords you may have shared or reused, starting with email and banking, and turn on multi-factor authentication where available.
Protect your identity
If you shared identity documents or details such as your licence, passport or tax file number, contact IDCARE on 1800 595 160.
Next
Report the scam
Report it to Scamwatch at scamwatch.gov.au. Report cybercrime, such as hacked accounts or online fraud, to ReportCyber at cyber.gov.au.
Tell the organisation that was impersonated
Contact it through its official website or a number you already know, so it can warn others.
Watch for follow-up scams
Scammers often come back posing as recovery services, police or your bank. Be wary of anyone who contacts you offering to get your money back for a fee.
After a scam: common questions
Can I get my money back after a scam?
Sometimes. Contact your bank as soon as possible: the sooner you act, the better the chance of stopping or recovering a payment.
Should I pay someone who offers to recover my money?
Be very cautious. People who have lost money to a scam are often targeted again by fake recovery services.
Is it embarrassing to report a scam?
Scams are designed to fool people, and reporting helps stop others being caught. Your report helps authorities warn the public.
