How Can You Spot and Report Scams in Australia?

Scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated, targeting Australians through text messages, phone calls, emails, and social media with elaborate schemes designed to steal your money and personal information. What makes modern scams particularly dangerous is how convincing they’ve become—complete with official-looking logos, professional websites, and compelling stories.

Every year, thousands of Australians fall victim to fraud, losing not just their hard-earned money but also experiencing the emotional distress and identity theft complications that follow. The good news is that recognising scam warning signs and knowing how to report scams in Australia can protect you and help authorities shut down fraudulent operations.

This guide walks you through the most common scams targeting Australians, the red flags to watch for, and the exact steps to take when reporting suspicious activity to Scamwatch, ReportCyber, and other official channels.

Why Scams Are on the Rise in Australia

The digital transformation of Australian life has created unprecedented opportunities for scammers to reach potential victims. From online banking and shopping to social media and government services, every digital interaction represents a potential entry point for fraud.

According to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s (ACCC) Targeting Scams Report 2024, Australians lost over $477 million to scams in 2023 alone. This figure represents only reported losses—experts estimate the actual impact is significantly higher when unreported cases are considered.

The top scam categories causing the most financial harm include:

• Investment scams – $385 million lost, often involving fake cryptocurrency platforms and fraudulent trading schemes
• Romance scams – $34 million lost, with victims emotionally manipulated over weeks or months before being asked for money
• Impersonation scams – Scammers posing as government agencies, banks, or telecommunications companies
• Phishing and online fraud – Fake emails and websites designed to steal login credentials and personal information

The rise in scam activity reflects several factors: increasingly sophisticated technology allowing scammers to spoof official phone numbers and create convincing fake websites, the COVID-19 pandemic’s acceleration of digital services creating new opportunities for fraud, data breaches providing scammers with personal information to make their approaches more believable, and greater financial stress making Australians more vulnerable to ‘too good to be true’ offers.

Beyond the financial impact, scams cause significant psychological harm. Many victims experience shame, anxiety, and depression following fraud—feelings that can prevent them from reporting and seeking help.

Common Scams Targeting Australians

Understanding how scammers operate helps you recognise threats before falling victim. While tactics constantly evolve, certain scam types consistently target Australians across all age groups and backgrounds.

1. Phishing and Email Scams

Phishing involves fraudulent messages pretending to be from legitimate organisations like banks, government agencies, or well-known companies. These scams typically create urgency, claiming your account has been compromised, you owe money, or you’ve won a prize.

A common example involves fake Australian Taxation Office (ATO) emails threatening legal action unless you immediately pay a supposed tax debt. The email looks professional, uses ATO branding, and includes links to fraudulent payment portals designed to steal your credit card details.

2. Investment and Cryptocurrency Scams

These scams promise high returns with little risk, often using testimonials from fake satisfied customers or celebrity endorsements. Cryptocurrency scams have exploded in recent years, with fraudulent trading platforms that appear legitimate but are designed solely to steal your deposits.

In 2023, a Queensland retiree lost $184,000 to a fake investment platform that initially allowed small withdrawals to build trust before blocking access when larger amounts were invested. This demonstrates the sophisticated “long game” many investment scammers now play.

3. Romance and Dating Scams

Scammers create fake profiles on dating apps and social media, building emotional connections over weeks or months before asking for financial help. They often claim to need money for medical emergencies, business opportunities, or travel costs to finally meet in person.

These scams cause devastating emotional and financial harm. Victims not only lose money but also experience profound betrayal and embarrassment that can prevent them from reporting.

4. Shopping and Delivery Scams

Fake online stores advertise products at extremely low prices, take your payment, and never deliver. Delivery scams involve text messages claiming you need to pay a small fee or confirm details to receive a package—even when you’re not expecting one.

During 2023, fake parcel delivery texts impersonating Australia Post became so prevalent that Australia Post issued multiple public warnings and created a dedicated reporting portal.

5. Impersonation Scams

Scammers contact you claiming to represent government agencies, banks, utility companies, or tech support services. They create urgency by claiming your account has been compromised, you owe money, or your computer has been infected with viruses.

These scammers often use sophisticated technology to display genuine-looking phone numbers on your caller ID, making their approach seem legitimate. They may have some of your personal information (obtained through data breaches) to make their story more convincing.

How to Spot a Scam Before It’s Too Late

Recognising scam warning signs early can save you from financial loss and identity theft. While scammers constantly adapt their tactics, certain red flags consistently appear across different fraud types.

Top warning signs you’re being scammed:

• Urgent or threatening language: Legitimate organisations don’t threaten immediate legal action or account closure unless you act within minutes. Scammers create artificial urgency to prevent you from thinking clearly or seeking advice.
• Requests for unusual payment methods: Government agencies and reputable businesses never ask for payment via gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers to individuals. These payment methods are virtually untraceable, which is exactly why scammers prefer them.
• Too good to be true offers: If an investment promises guaranteed high returns with no risk, or products are advertised at impossibly low prices, it’s almost certainly a scam. Remember: legitimate opportunities don’t need to pressure you with limited-time offers.
• Poor spelling and grammar: While some scams are professionally written, many contain obvious errors. However, don’t rely solely on this—sophisticated scammers employ native English speakers and professional copywriters.
• Suspicious contact details: Check email addresses carefully. Scammers use addresses that look similar to legitimate ones but contain small differences (e.g., support@aust-post.com instead of the genuine auspost.com.au domain). Phone numbers may appear genuine due to caller ID spoofing technology.
• Requests for personal information or remote access: Legitimate organisations never ask for passwords, PINs, or full credit card details via email or unsolicited calls. Tech support scams specifically request remote access to your computer, which allows them to install malware or steal information.
• Pressure to keep secrets: Scammers often tell you not to discuss the “opportunity” or “issue” with family, friends, or financial advisors. Legitimate business never requires secrecy.

A practical example: You receive a text message stating “Your Australia Post parcel is awaiting delivery. Confirm details: [link].” Warning signs include: you’re not expecting a parcel, Australia Post typically uses auspost.com.au domains not random shortened links, and legitimate tracking information is available on their official website without clicking text links.

Always verify suspicious contacts by independently looking up the organisation’s official contact details and calling them directly. Never use contact information provided in the suspicious message itself.

How to Report Scams in Australia (Step-by-Step Guide)

Knowing how to report scams in Australia helps protect others and assists authorities in tracking down fraudsters. Quick reporting can sometimes prevent further losses and contributes to nationwide scam prevention efforts.

Step 1: Gather All Relevant Details

Before reporting, collect as much information as possible about the scam. This documentation helps investigators and increases the chance of successful follow-up.

Information to record includes:

• Date and time of contact
• Phone numbers, email addresses, or website URLs involved
• Screenshots of messages, emails, or social media conversations
• Bank account details or payment information provided by the scammer
• Names and any other identifying information
• Description of what happened and how you were contacted
• Copies of any documents or receipts if you made a payment

Taking screenshots immediately is crucial—scammers often delete fake profiles and websites once they suspect they’ve been reported.

Step 2: Report to the Appropriate Authority

Different types of scams should be reported to different authorities to ensure your report reaches the right investigators.

1. Scamwatch (Australian Competition and Consumer Commission)

For most scams, report to Scamwatch via their online reporting form at scamwatch.gov.au. This is the primary reporting channel for:

• Investment and financial scams
• Online shopping fraud
• Romance and dating scams
• Impersonation scams
• Unexpected prize or lottery scams

Scamwatch collects reports to identify trends, issue warnings to the public, and coordinate with law enforcement. You’ll receive an automated acknowledgement, and your information contributes to national scam intelligence.

2. ReportCyber (Australian Cyber Security Centre)

Report to ReportCyber at cyber.gov.au for:

• Hacking and unauthorised access to accounts
• Malware and ransomware attacks
• Online fraud involving cyber crimes
• Phishing emails and suspicious websites
• Identity theft involving compromised online accounts

ReportCyber is managed by the Australian Signals Directorate and specialises in cybercrime investigations.

3. IDCARE

Contact IDCARE (Australia’s national identity and cyber support service) at idcare.org or 1800 595 160 if:

• Your identity has been stolen or compromised
• You need help securing accounts and monitoring for fraudulent activity
• You’re unsure what steps to take after a scam

IDCARE provides free, confidential support and creates personalised response plans for identity theft victims.

4. Local Police (131 444 or your state’s police assistance line)

Report to police when:

• You’ve lost money or property through fraud
• The scam involves threats or violence
• You need a police report number for insurance or bank claims
• The scam involves serious criminal activity

For non-emergencies, call 131 444 (or your state equivalent) or visit your local police station. Never call 000 unless there’s an immediate threat to safety.

5. Your Bank or Financial Institution

Contact your bank immediately if you:

• Provided bank account or credit card details to a scammer
• Made a payment to a fraudster
• Notice suspicious transactions on your accounts

Many Australian banks have fraud departments that can freeze accounts, reverse transactions (if caught quickly enough), and implement additional security measures.

Step 3: Secure Your Accounts and Information

After reporting, take immediate action to limit potential damage:

• Change passwords on all online accounts, especially banking and email
• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever available
• Monitor bank statements and credit reports for suspicious activity
• Consider placing a ban on your credit file through credit reporting agencies
• Run antivirus software if you clicked suspicious links or downloaded files
• Alert family and friends if the scam involved your email or social media being compromised

A Melbourne small business owner successfully recovered $12,000 in 2024 after quickly reporting a business email compromise scam to ReportCyber and their bank. The fast response allowed the bank to freeze the fraudulent transfer before it cleared, demonstrating why immediate reporting matters.

What Happens After You Report a Scam?

Understanding what to expect after reporting helps manage expectations and reinforces why reporting matters even if you don’t see immediate results.

1. Immediate acknowledgement: Most reporting platforms send an automatic confirmation that your report has been received. This doesn’t mean immediate investigation, but confirms your information has entered their system.
2. Contribution to intelligence gathering: Your report becomes part of a larger database that helps authorities identify scam patterns, track criminal networks, and issue public warnings. Even if your specific case isn’t individually investigated, your report helps protect others.
3. Possible follow-up from authorities: In cases involving significant losses or part of larger investigations, police or the ACCC may contact you for additional information. However, most scam reports don’t receive individual follow-up due to the overwhelming volume and limited investigative resources.
4. Banking and payment provider actions: If you reported financial fraud to your bank quickly, they may investigate unauthorised transactions and potentially reverse charges or provide compensation depending on circumstances and your account terms.
5. Public warnings and alerts: Scamwatch regularly publishes alerts based on reported trends. Your report might contribute to public awareness campaigns that prevent others from falling victim to similar scams.
6. Realistic expectations about recovery: Unfortunately, most scam victims don’t recover their losses, especially when payments were made via gift cards, cryptocurrency, or international wire transfers. However, early reporting occasionally leads to recovery when:

• Banks catch fraudulent transactions before they’re processed
• Authorities seize criminal assets during investigations
• Payment platforms cooperate to reverse transactions

Scamwatch’s analysis of thousands of reports helps develop better protection measures, inform government policy, and coordinate enforcement actions across multiple agencies. Your report matters even if you don’t see direct personal benefit.

How to Protect Yourself from Future Scams

Prevention is always better than dealing with the aftermath of fraud. Building good digital habits and staying informed significantly reduces your vulnerability to scams.

Essential scam prevention practices:

• Keep software and security updated: Install reputable antivirus software and keep your operating system, apps, and browsers updated with the latest security patches. Enable automatic updates whenever possible to ensure you’re protected against new threats.
• Use strong, unique passwords: Never reuse passwords across different accounts. Use a password manager to generate and store complex passwords securely. Enable two-factor authentication on all accounts that offer it, especially email, banking, and social media.
• Be cautious with personal information: Limit what you share on social media, as scammers use publicly available information to make their approaches more convincing. Be particularly careful about sharing your full date of birth, home address, phone number, or information about your financial situation.
• Verify before trusting: If someone contacts you claiming to be from an organisation, don’t use contact details they provide. Instead, independently look up the official number or website and make contact yourself. This single habit prevents most impersonation scams.
• Stay informed about current scams: Subscribe to Scamwatch email alerts to receive notifications about new scam tactics targeting Australians. Follow the ACCC Scamwatch social media accounts for regular updates and warnings.
• Educate vulnerable family members: Seniors are disproportionately targeted by scammers and often experience larger losses. The Australian Government’s Be Connected program offers free digital literacy training specifically designed for older Australians, covering online safety and scam recognition.
• Trust your instincts: If something feels wrong or too good to be true, it probably is. Legitimate organisations won’t mind if you take time to verify their identity or seek independent advice before making decisions.
• Use secure payment methods: When shopping online, use payment methods that offer buyer protection, such as credit cards or PayPal. Avoid direct bank transfers to individuals or businesses you haven’t verified. Never pay via gift cards or cryptocurrency unless you’re absolutely certain of the recipient’s legitimacy.
• Check before downloading: Only download apps from official app stores, and be wary of browser extensions that request extensive permissions. Read reviews and check the developer’s credibility before installing anything.

The ACCC’s Scamwatch radar provides real-time information about scam trends across Australia, helping you stay ahead of emerging threats. Regularly checking this resource takes just minutes but significantly improves your scam awareness.

Stay Vigilant and Protect Your Community

Scams can target anyone regardless of age, education, or technical knowledge. Understanding how to report scams in Australia empowers you to take action when you encounter fraud and helps protect your fellow Australians from falling victim to the same schemes.

Remember that reporting isn’t just about recovering your own losses—it’s about contributing to the collective fight against scammers. Every report strengthens the data authorities use to identify patterns, issue warnings, and shut down criminal operations.

Stay alert, verify before trusting, and don’t hesitate to report suspicious activity to Scamwatch, ReportCyber, or your local police. If something feels wrong, trust your instincts and take a moment to verify independently.

Want to protect your digital privacy more broadly? Read our comprehensive guide on What Are Your Online Privacy Rights in Australia Explained Simply? to understand how Australian law protects your personal information and what to do when organisations mishandle your data.

Have you encountered a scam or successfully avoided one? Share your experience in the comments below—your story might help prevent someone else from becoming a victim. And if you found this guide helpful, share it with family and friends to help keep your community safe from fraud.