What to do if you think you have responded to a scam
Calm first steps for protecting money, accounts and personal information after a suspected scam.
If this is happening now
Contact your bank immediately if money or banking access may be at risk. Seek emergency assistance if anyone is in immediate danger.
Recovery scammers may contact people who have already lost money. Do not pay someone who promises guaranteed recovery.
Stop further contact
Do not send more money or information. Do not keep using links, phone numbers or software provided by the person who contacted you.
Protect money first
If money or banking details may be involved, contact your bank immediately using a trusted number or the bank's official app. Explain what happened and follow its instructions.
If you installed software or allowed the person to control your device, disconnect that device from the internet. Use another trusted device or phone for bank and account steps, and avoid entering new passwords on the affected device until it has been checked.
Have these details ready
Do not delay contacting your bank to gather information. While you wait to speak to someone, or afterwards, note the date, amount, payment method and any references you have. It is okay if you do not have every detail.
Secure affected accounts
Use a device you trust to change affected passwords. Start with email and financial accounts. Review recent activity and enable two-factor authentication where it is available.
Record what happened
Keep relevant messages, receipts, dates and account details. Do not keep communicating just to collect more evidence.
Ask for specialist help
Report the incident through Scamwatch. If identity information may have been exposed, consider contacting IDCARE through its official website.
You'll know which steps are urgent and where to find official help.
What to expect
You've stopped contact, protected the most urgent accounts or payments and recorded what happened.
Sources and further reading
- Where to get help · Scamwatch
Urgent recovery steps and official support options after a scam.
- Report and recover from malware · Australian Signals Directorate
Supports isolating an affected device and using a trusted device for sensitive recovery steps.