Scammers have many ways they try to trick you. Know what to look for. Scams are a common way that cyber criminals compromise accounts. Knowing the common types of scams and ways scammers trick people could save you from becoming a victim. An icon to indicate an error If you think you are a victim of a scam If you think you have seen a scam or fallen victim, go visit Scamwatch. If you have experienced information or financial loss as a result of a scam, report it to ReportCyber. Dating and romance scams Cyber criminals target victims on dating websites and apps pretending to be other people. Scammers start the relationship with their victim on the website or app before moving the conversation to a more 'private' channel. This is to move away from the protections that dating sites put in place. Cyber criminals can easily manipulate their victims on other channels like email or text. They create fake profiles online or take the identities of real people. Cyber criminals try to quickly build a relationship, and then ask for money, gifts or information. Investment scams Cyber criminals entice victims into investing money in schemes which may offer high and quick returns. This type of scam is typically a time-sensitive offer to pressure you into making a decision fast. Invoice fraud This is when criminals compromise a vendor’s email account. They can then change the bank details on the company's invoices. The customer pays the invoice, thinking they are paying the vendor, but instead send that money to criminals’ bank accounts. What to do if you think you've been scammed Read on to understand the steps you should take if: You think a scammer has targeted you but you didn't give them your details or money Report the scam via Scamwatch. Report the scam account to the social media or other platform which they used to engage with you. If it looks like a scammer is impersonating an Australian business, contact the fair trading organisation in your state or territory. You've been scammed and lost money Immediately report the transaction(s) to your bank or financial institution. Complete a report through ReportCyber. Stop all communication with the offender. Report the scam account to the social media or other platform they used to engage with you. Change your passwords to secure your online accounts. Visit idcare.org for advice on securing your accounts online. You think the scammer got your personal information Contact your financial institution to secure your financial accounts. Contact any other services that use your personal identity documents (i.e. ATO or Services Australia) to secure your accounts. Report through ReportCyber. Change the passwords to any other accounts which you think the scammer may have accessed or to which they now have access. This could include banking, superannuation and email accounts. Look at our checklist to secure online accounts. Secure your social media and other personal accounts. Contact a credit reporting agency to see if any attempts to open accounts in your name have been made. Check idcare.org for advice on securing your accounts online. 2 minute quiz Think you could spot a potential cybercrime? Loading... Content complexity Simple This rating relates to the complexity of the advice and information provided on the page.
