1. Stay Calm and Don’t Panic
The first and most important step is to stay calm. Scammers rely on creating panic to force rushed decisions. Taking a moment to think clearly will help you follow the necessary steps to protect yourself.
2. Secure Your Accounts Immediately
If the scam involved your personal or financial details, or if you clicked on suspicious links, assume your accounts may be compromised.
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Change your passwords for email, banking, social media, and any other important online accounts. Use strong, unique passwords for each. Consider a password manager to help.
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Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible for an extra layer of security.
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If you shared bank details or login credentials, contact your bank or financial institution immediately to alert them. They may freeze accounts or monitor for fraudulent activity.
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If your credit card details were shared, request a replacement card.
3. Scan Your Devices for Malware
If you clicked links or downloaded attachments from suspicious messages, your device may have been infected.
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Run a full antivirus and anti-malware scan on your computer and mobile devices.
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Keep your software, operating system, and security tools fully updated.
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If you’re unsure, seek professional assistance from a trusted IT provider.
4. Collect Evidence of the Scam
Gather all relevant information to help with reporting and investigation:
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Screenshots of emails, texts, or websites involved.
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Dates and times of communications.
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Phone numbers, email addresses, or URLs linked to the scam.
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Any financial transaction records if money was sent.
5. Report the Scam to Authorities
Reporting helps protect others and may assist law enforcement in tracking down scammers.
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Scamwatch (ACCC) — Australia’s primary platform for reporting scams.
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Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) — Report cybercrime and seek recovery advice.
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Local police — File a report if you’ve suffered financial loss.
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Your bank or financial institution — Notify them immediately to take protective action.
6. Notify Credit Reporting Agencies
If your personal information or financial details were compromised, consider placing a fraud alert on your credit file.
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Contact Equifax Australia or Experian Australia to place alerts or freezes.
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Regularly check your credit reports for unusual activity.
7. Learn to Recognise Future Scams
Use your experience to become more vigilant:
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Review the common signs of scams (urgent requests, suspicious links, poor grammar).
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Stay updated on current scams targeting Australians via Scamwatch and ACSC.
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Share your story with family and friends to raise awareness.
8. Seek Emotional and Financial Support
Falling victim to a scam can be distressing. Don’t hesitate to seek help.
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Financial Counselling Australia offers free, confidential financial advice.
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Lifeline Australia provides crisis support and counselling.
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Talk to trusted family or friends to avoid isolation.
Real Australian Scam Victim Stories
Sharing real stories helps shed light on scam tactics and encourages others to be cautious.
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For example, many Australians have lost thousands in romance scams via dating apps.
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Small businesses have reported fake invoice scams impersonating Telstra or utility companies.
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Cybercrime has increased targeting vulnerable users during tax season with ATO impersonation scams.
Final Tips
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Always verify unsolicited requests through official channels.
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Never send money or share passwords without confirming legitimacy.
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Keep backups of important data and use strong device security.
By taking immediate and measured action after a scam, you can minimise damage and safeguard your personal and financial wellbeing.
Useful Links
- IDCARE – Australia’s support service for identity compromise
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