Where to Get Help After a Scam in Australia

If you have been caught by a scam, you are far from alone, and there is real help available in Australia. Knowing who to call, and in what order, makes a stressful situation much more manageable. This page gathers the right people in one place, so you can act quickly and calmly.

Being scammed is not a sign of foolishness. These criminals are skilled and they target everyone. The sooner you reach out, the more can be done, so do not let embarrassment hold you back. This is one piece of a bigger picture, so it is worth reading our full guide to staying safe online as well.

Quick answer

If money is involved, phone your bank first, day or night. Then report the scam to Scamwatch at scamwatch.gov.au, and to ReportCyber at cyber.gov.au if it involves hacking, phishing or online fraud. If personal details were shared, call IDCARE free on 1800 595 160. For emotional support, Lifeline is on 13 11 14 and Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636, both any time. In an emergency, call 000.

Start with your bank

If you have lost money or shared bank details, your bank is the first call. They can stop cards, watch your accounts, and in some cases stop, trace or recover a payment. Use the number on the back of your card or their official website. Australian banks now offer round-the-clock scam reporting. Our guide on what to do if you gave a scammer your bank details covers this step in full.

Report the scam

  • Scamwatch, scamwatch.gov.au: Australia’s place to report a scam and get free, confidential advice. It is run by the National Anti-Scam Centre, part of the ACCC.
  • ReportCyber, cyber.gov.au: for cybercrime such as a hacked account, phishing or online fraud. Your report is passed to police. Cyber hotline 1300 292 371, any hour.
  • Forward scam texts to 7726: free, and it helps your phone company block the numbers behind them.
  • 000: only if you or someone else is in immediate danger. For a crime that is not urgent, contact your local police.

If your identity was exposed

If you shared personal details such as your driver licence, passport number or date of birth, contact IDCARE free on 1800 595 160. IDCARE is Australia’s national identity and cyber support service. It is confidential, and a specialist case manager helps you work out what is at risk and the exact steps to protect yourself. You can also start online at idcare.org.

If you are unhappy with your bank

If you feel your bank has not handled your case fairly, you can take a free, independent complaint to the Australian Financial Complaints Authority, known as AFCA, on 1800 931 678 or at afca.org.au. It helps to have notes of your conversations, with dates and names, ready to share.

Look after yourself too

The financial side is only part of it. Being scammed can leave you shaken, angry or embarrassed, and those feelings are completely normal. You do not have to sit with them alone. Lifeline offers free, confidential support any time on 13 11 14, and Beyond Blue is on 1300 22 4636, also around the clock. Talking to family or a friend helps as well. For more local services, see our guide to free tech help for seniors in Australia.

Before you finish

Download the free Family Tech Safety Checklist to help check phone safety, passwords, scam messages, emergency contacts and medical alarm details.

Download Free Checklist

FAQ: Getting help after a scam

Who should I call first?
If money is involved, your bank, day or night. They can act fastest to protect your accounts. Then report to Scamwatch at scamwatch.gov.au, and to ReportCyber at cyber.gov.au if it involves hacking or online fraud.

Is reporting really worth it?
Yes. It helps authorities track scammers and warn others, and a report can be useful when you talk to your bank about your case.

I am too embarrassed to tell anyone.
That feeling is common, but scams fool capable, careful people every day. Reaching out quickly is the single best thing you can do.

What if my identity details were taken?
Call IDCARE free on 1800 595 160. They help you understand the risk and the steps to protect yourself.

Where can I get emotional support?
Lifeline is on 13 11 14 and Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636, both free and available any time you need to talk.

Similar Posts