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🚨
I Think I Got Scammed
Don't panic. Here's exactly what to do right now to limit the damage.
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Speed matters. The faster you act, the better your chances of getting money back.
Follow the steps below in order — start from Step 1 right now.
🚨 Do These RIGHT NOW
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1
Do this first — within minutes
Call your bank immediately
Tell them you've been scammed. They can freeze your account, block transactions, and sometimes reverse payments. Most banks have a 24/7 fraud line. Check the back of your card or your banking app for the number.
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2
Within the first hour
Change your passwords
If you clicked a link or entered login details anywhere, change those passwords NOW. Start with your bank, email, and any accounts that use the same password. Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) everywhere you can.
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3
Today
Report it to Scamwatch
Go to scamwatch.gov.au and file a report. This is the official Australian government scam reporting service. It helps them track scammers and warn others.
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4
Today
Report it to ReportCyber
Go to cyber.gov.au/report if it was an online scam. This is the Australian Cyber Security Centre's reporting tool.
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5
This week
Check for identity theft
If you shared personal details (name, DOB, address, TFN, licence number), contact IDCARE on 1800 595 160. They're a free service that helps with identity theft. Also request a credit report from Equifax or Illion to check for anything suspicious.
💙 Before You Beat Yourself Up
Getting scammed doesn't mean you're stupid. Scammers are professionals. They do this full-time. They use psychology, urgency, and technology to trick smart people every single day.
In Australia, people reported losing over $2.7 billion to scams in 2023. That includes doctors, lawyers, tech workers, and CEOs. You're not the first and you won't be the last.
✅ What matters now: You recognised something was wrong. That's the first step. Now let's limit the damage and make sure it doesn't happen again.
🎯 Scams That Target Teens
📱 Fake Job Offers
A "company" contacts you on social media or text offering easy money for simple tasks. They ask for your bank details to "set up payment."
"Hi! We noticed your profile. We're hiring mystery shoppers. $300/day. Just send us your BSB and account number to get started."
🛒 Fake Online Stores
Social media ads for popular items at ridiculous discounts. You pay but never receive anything, or get a cheap knockoff.
"Nike Air Force 1s — 80% OFF! Limited time. Only 3 left in stock!"
💬 Impersonation Scams
Someone pretends to be your friend, a company, or a government agency. They create urgency to get you to act fast without thinking.
"This is the ATO. You owe $2,300 in unpaid tax. Pay immediately or face arrest. Call this number now."
🎮 Gaming/Trading Scams
Fake giveaways, item trades, or crypto "opportunities" in gaming communities and Discord servers.
"Free V-Bucks! Just log in through this link and verify your account to claim."
❤️ Romance/Social Scams
Someone builds a relationship online, gains your trust, then asks for money, gift cards, or personal info.
"I really need help. Can you buy me a $50 Steam gift card? I'll pay you back I promise."
📦 Delivery Scams
Fake texts claiming a package couldn't be delivered. The link goes to a fake site that steals your card details.
"AusPost: Your package could not be delivered. Pay $2.50 redelivery fee here: [dodgy link]"
🚩 Red Flags — How to Spot a Scam
If you see ANY of these, stop and think before doing anything:
🚩 It's probably a scam if:
• It seems too good to be true (it is)
• They create urgency ("act NOW or miss out")
• They ask for payment via gift cards, crypto, or bank transfer
• The URL looks slightly off (amaz0n.com, c0mmonwealth.com)
• They contacted you first (you didn't reach out)
• They get angry or pushy when you ask questions
• They ask for your password, PIN, or 2FA code
• The grammar and spelling are slightly weird
• They want you to keep it secret
💡 The golden rule: If someone contacts you out of the blue asking for money or personal info — assume it's a scam until proven otherwise. A real company or person will understand if you want to verify first.
💰 Can I Get My Money Back?
It depends on how you paid:
Best chance of recovery:
• Credit card — Banks can do a chargeback. Contact them ASAP
• Debit card — Possible to reverse if you're fast enough
• PayPal — Has buyer protection. Open a dispute
Harder to recover:
• Bank transfer — Call your bank immediately, but recovery isn't guaranteed
• Gift cards — Almost impossible to recover once redeemed
• Crypto — Extremely difficult, usually gone
• Cash — If it's gone, it's gone
Regardless of how you paid, always report it. Even if you can't get money back, reporting helps catch scammers and protect others.
✅ Damage Control Checklist
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Called my bank's fraud line
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Changed passwords on affected accounts
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Turned on 2FA (two-factor authentication) everywhere
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Reported to Scamwatch (scamwatch.gov.au)
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Reported to ReportCyber if it was online (cyber.gov.au)
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Called IDCARE if personal info was shared (1800 595 160)
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Requested a credit report check
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Told a parent or trusted adult
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Screenshotted any evidence (messages, transactions, URLs)
🫂 It's Okay to Feel Crap About This
Being scammed can make you feel embarrassed, angry, anxious, or all three at once. That's completely normal.
Talk to someone about it. A parent, a friend, a school counsellor — anyone you trust. Keeping it to yourself makes it worse. The people who care about you won't judge you — they'll want to help.
If you're feeling really overwhelmed:
• Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 (free, 24/7)
• Headspace: headspace.org.au or 1800 650 890
• These services are free, confidential, and judgment-free
⚠️ Important Disclaimer
The information provided on this page is general in nature and does not constitute financial, legal, or security advice. If you have been the victim of a scam or crime, contact your bank and the relevant authorities immediately. The contact information provided was accurate at time of publication but may change.