TL;DR: Scamwatch, run by Australia's Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), is the national platform for reporting scams and checking current scam trends.
How to Report a Scam to Scamwatch Australia — a clear, step-by-step guide to what to do and how long it takes.
Step 1: Go to the Scamwatch website
Scamwatch, run by Australia's Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), is the national platform for reporting scams and checking current scam trends.
Step 2: Submit your report with as much detail as possible
Include the type of scam, how you were contacted, any money lost, and details about the scammer if known — this helps the ACCC track scam patterns nationally.
Step 3: Contact your bank if money was involved
Reporting to Scamwatch doesn't reverse a payment — contact your bank directly and as quickly as possible to see what can be done.
Step 4: Reach out to IDCARE for personal support
If the scam involved identity theft or you're unsure what steps to take next, IDCARE offers free, personalized guidance for Australians and New Zealanders.
Step 5: Report to police for serious losses
For significant financial loss or if you believe a crime occurred, also file a report with your state or territory police.
If this looks similar to something else you've seen, it's worth reading How to Report Identity Theft in Australia.
This pattern shows up elsewhere too — see How to Report Identity Theft in Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions
Step 1: Go to the Scamwatch website
Scamwatch, run by Australia's Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), is the national platform for reporting scams and checking current scam trends.
Step 2: Submit your report with as much detail as possible
Include the type of scam, how you were contacted, any money lost, and details about the scammer if known — this helps the ACCC track scam patterns nationally.
Step 3: Contact your bank if money was involved
Reporting to Scamwatch doesn't reverse a payment — contact your bank directly and as quickly as possible to see what can be done.
Step 4: Reach out to IDCARE for personal support
If the scam involved identity theft or you're unsure what steps to take next, IDCARE offers free, personalized guidance for Australians and New Zealanders.
Step 5: Report to police for serious losses
For significant financial loss or if you believe a crime occurred, also file a report with your state or territory police.