Report a scam & next steps
Four simple steps. Start at the top — do as many as apply.
- 1
Stop
- • Don't reply, click, or call any number from the message.
- • Take a screenshot, then don't act on the message again.
- • If someone is on the phone with you right now — hang up.
- 2
Secure
- • If money was sent → call your bank's fraud line (number is on the back of your card).
- • If ID details were shared → call IDCARE on 1800 595 160 (AU/NZ, free).
- • Change passwords for any account that uses the same email/password.
- • Turn on 2-factor authentication where you can.
- 3
Report
Scamwatch (ACCC)
scamwatch.gov.au — report and read alerts.
ReportCyber
cyber.gov.au/report — Australian Cyber Security Centre.
SMS spam line
Forward the SMS free to 7726 in Australia.
eSafety Commissioner
esafety.gov.au — for harassment, image-based abuse.
ATO scam line
1800 008 540 — for ATO/tax-themed scams.
OMARA
mara.gov.au — report unregistered migration agents.
- 4
Recover
- • Tell someone you trust — it helps emotionally and they can spot follow-up scams.
- • Watch your accounts and credit report for 90 days.
- • Save this site and share it with parents, kids, or new arrivals.
Copy-ready report template
Use this when emailing your bank, university, or employer about a scam attempt.
Subject: Scam report Hello, I would like to report a suspicious message I received. - Date received: - Channel (SMS / email / social / other): - Sender (number, email, username): - Message content: What I did: - [ ] Did not click any link - [ ] Did not reply - [ ] Did not share information - [ ] I clicked a link / shared info (please advise next steps) Thank you.
Emergency
In immediate danger or if a crime is happening now, call 000 (AU). For non-urgent police reports, call 131 444.