Report a scam in Australia

Use the official channels below. If you are in immediate danger, contact local emergency services first.

Emergency number: 000 - for immediate danger only.

Scamwatch (NASC / ACCC)
Verified official source

Report scams and find scam prevention advice.

Source type: other · Verified 2026-06-03 · Last checked 2026-06-03
https://www.scamwatch.gov.au
ReportCyber (Australian Cyber Security Centre)
Verified official source

Report cybercrime to the ACSC.

Source type: cyber agency · Verified 2026-06-03 · Last checked 2026-06-03
https://www.cyber.gov.au/report-and-recover/report
ACCC
Verified official source

Australian consumer protection regulator.

Source type: other · Verified 2026-06-03 · Last checked 2026-06-03
https://www.accc.gov.au
IDCARE
Verified official source

Free identity and cyber support service for Australia and New Zealand.

Source type: other · Verified 2026-06-03 · Last checked 2026-06-03
https://www.idcare.org

Report scam texts: Report scam texts to Scamwatch; forward to your carrier where supported.

Report phishing email: Report phishing emails to Scamwatch and the impersonated organisation.

If money is involved: Contact your bank immediately; Australian banks must support scam reporting.

Police advice: Call 000 in an emergency; report cybercrime via ReportCyber.

Evidence to save:

Save screenshots, sender numbers or emails, transaction references, and any links - without reopening them.

What not to do:

Do not pay 'recovery' fees, do not share more codes or details, and do not act on follow-up 'fraud team' messages.

Beware of recovery scams: no official body charges an upfront private fee to recover lost money.

How to report in Australia

Online scams & fraud: use the fraud or consumer-protection authority above. Describe what happened and include your evidence (screenshots, dates, amounts, references).

Cybercrime (hacking, account takeover): file with the national cybercrime portal or police cyber unit listed above.

Scam texts & calls: Report scam texts to Scamwatch; forward to your carrier where supported.

Bank & payment scams: Contact your bank immediately; Australian banks must support scam reporting.

If you sent money: contact your bank or payment provider right away, save all evidence, and report to the authority above. The faster you act, the better the chance of recovery.

If you shared ID or KYC documents: watch for identity theft, consider a credit freeze or fraud alert where available, and follow the shared-ID recovery guide.

Stay safe while reporting

Do not use phone numbers or links from the suspicious message.
Search for official authorities independently and type the address yourself.
Report quickly if money was sent or ID documents were shared.

Common scams in Australia

myGov/ATO and bank scams
Delivery and toll (linkt) smishing
'Hi Mum' family-impersonation scams
Investment and romance scams

Not sure if a message is a scam?

Check it first to see the red flags and what to do.

Check a message

Helpful next steps

Learn the red flags

Common scam types

Check & learn

Frequently asked questions

How do I report a scam in Australia?

Use the official authorities listed on this page. If money is involved, contact your bank first, then file a report with the fraud or cybercrime authority.

Can I get my money back?

Sometimes, if you act quickly through your bank. Be cautious of anyone promising guaranteed recovery for an upfront fee - that is a recovery scam.

Last reviewed: 2026-06-03. Always confirm links on the official site.

Found an outdated official link? Tell us so we can review it.