Scams

Learn to recognise and protect yourself from scams. If you think you’ve been scammed, report it straight away.

What is a scam

Scams are tricks designed to steal your money or personal information. They often start with unexpected contact by phone, text, email, social media or in person.

Types of scams

What to do if you’ve been scammed

If you think or know that you’ve been scammed:

  1. Stop all contact with the scammer.
  2. If you’ve paid money:
    • do not make any more payments
    • contact the bank or service you sent money through and let them know what’s happened.
  3. Report the scam.
  4. Secure your online accounts — change passwords immediately for any accounts linked to the scam.

How to report a scam

Reporting scams is important, whether for yourself or someone else. When you report a scam, you’ll receive specific advice for your situation — to help you or others avoid similar scams.

Scams can be reported to the National Cyber Security Centre:

Report an incident — National Cyber Security Centre

Other ways to report

If you:

Consumer Protection website also includes guidance on actions to take if you’re currently being scammed, as well as steps to follow afterwards.

Scammed? Take action — Scamwatch

Protect yourself from scams

Understanding how scams work and how to avoid them can help protect you and reduce your risk. 

If you see something you think may be a scam, use this quick check tool to spot some common warning signs:

Scam check — Own your online

Scams have become very sophisticated, and it can be difficult to tell what’s real and what is not.

The Consumer Protection website has information about extra steps you can take to identify scams:

Scams to be aware of

Check current scam alerts on the Scamwatch Facebook page.

Tips to avoid scams

Learn how to reduce your risk and avoid being caught in a scam.

Avoiding scams — Scamwatch

Who to contact for more help

If you need more help or have questions about the information or services on this page, contact one of the following agencies.

Utility links and page information

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