How To Get Back At A Scammer

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
Contact your financial institution
Recover your stolen identity
Report scams to the authorities
Get help from Australian agencies
Report scams to Facebook services
Change your online passwords
Contact your local consumer protection agency
Contact a counselling or support service
More information

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.

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

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
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.

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.

Access Canberra
Consumer Affairs Victoria
New South Wales Fair Trading
Northern Territory Consumer Affairs
Queensland Office of Fair Trading
South Australia Office of Consumer and Business Affairs
Consumer, Building and Occupational Services Tasmania
Western Australia Department of Commerce—Consumer Protection

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

Types of scams

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

Protect yourself from scams

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.