Australian authorities may not always be able to take action against scams, even if it seems like a scammer might have broken the law.
Although it may be hard to recover any money that you have lost to a scam, there are steps you can take to reduce the damage and avoid becoming a target for a follow-up scam. The quicker you act the more chance you have of reducing your losses.
By reporting the scam to authorities, they may be able to warn other people about the scam and minimise the chances of the scam spreading further. You should also warn your friends and family of any scams that you come across.
Reducing the damage
If you think someone has gained access to your online account, telephone banking account or credit card details
Call your financial institution immediately so they can suspend your account and limit the amount of money you lose. Credit card companies may also be able to perform a 'charge back' (reverse the transaction) if they believe that your credit card was billed fraudulently.
Do not use contact details that appear in emails or on websites that you are suspicious of—they will probably be fake and lead you to a scammer. You can find legitimate contact details in the phone book, an account statement, or on the back of your ATM card.
If you have sent money to someone who you think may be a scammer
If you sent your credit card details, follow the instructions in the section above.
If you sent money through an electronic funds transfer (over the internet), contact your financial institution immediately. If they have not already processed the transfer, they may be able to cancel it.
If you sent a cheque, contact your financial institution immediately. If the scammer hasn’t already cashed your cheque, they may be able to cancel it.
If you sent money through a wire service (such as Western Union), contact the wire service immediately. If you are very quick, they may be able to stop the transfer.
If you have been scammed using your computer
If you were using your computer when you got scammed, it is possible that a virus or other malicious software is still on your computer. Run a full system check using reliable security software.
If you do not have security software (such as virus scanners and a firewall) installed on your computer, a computer professional can help you choose what you need.
Scammers may have also gained access to your online passwords. Change these using a secure computer.
If you have been tricked by a door-to-door seller or trader
You may be protected by laws that provide you with a 'cooling-off' period, during which you can cancel an agreement or contract that you signed. Contact the fair trading agency in your state or territory for advice about door-to-door sales laws.
If you have been tricked into signing a contract or buying a product or service
Contact the fair trading agency in your state or territory and consider getting independent advice to consider your options: there may be a cooling-off period or you may be able to negotiate a refund (especially if the seller is located in Australia).
If the scam involves your mobile phone
Call your service provider and let them know what has happened.
If the scam relates to your health
Stop taking any pills or substances that you are not sure about. See a doctor or other qualified medical professional as soon as you can. Be sure to tell them about the treatment that the scammer sold (take along any substances, including their packaging). Also tell them if you have stopped any treatment that you were on before the scam.
Getting help and reporting a scam
If you think you have spotted a scam or have been targeted by a scam, there are many government agencies in Australia that you can contact for advice or to make a report. This may help you and prevent others from being ripped off by scam operators. The best agency to contact depends on where you live and what type of scam is involved.
Visit the Report a Scam page of SCAMwatch to decide who to report your concerns to.
If you want to report your scam to the ACCC, you can fill out a scam report form on SCAMwatch which will go directly to the ACCC.
If you are not sure which agency would be the best one to contact in your circumstances, contact the ACCC Infocentre on 1300 302 502.
