Scammed in Australia? What to do right now

Australia’s new Scams Prevention Framework puts more responsibility on banks, telcos and platforms. Here’s what to do now.

In the first hour

1. Contact your bank immediately and ask them to stop the payment.
2. Change passwords, starting with your email.
3. If you shared ID documents, contact IDCARE (below).

Report it

• Cybercrime: ReportCyber.
• Scams: report to Scamwatch to help warn others.
• Your local police for other crimes.

Getting your money back

Ask your bank in writing to investigate and reimburse. If you’re not satisfied, the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) handles complaints for free.

Protect yourself next

• Get free credit reports and consider a credit ban if your identity was stolen.
• Turn on multi-factor authentication.
• Watch for follow-up “recovery” scams.

Get support

IDCARE, Australia and New Zealand’s identity and cyber support service, offers free help on 1800 595 160.

This guide is general information, not legal advice. Services and numbers can change — check the official website.