Consumer Safety · Updated June 2026

How to Protect Yourself From Scams

Scams cost Australians hundreds of millions of dollars every year, and the damage often spills onto your credit file. This guide explains how to spot the warning signs, what to do if you've been caught, and how to report a scam to Scamwatch — plus how a scam can affect your credit and what can be done about it.

Report a Scam at Scamwatch →Call ACS: 0489 265 737

Spotting a Scam: The Warning Signs

What are the most common warning signs of a scam?

The most common warning signs of a scam are pressure to act urgently, requests to pay by gift card, cryptocurrency or unusual bank transfer, contact out of the blue, requests for remote access to your device or computer, offers that seem too good to be true, and links or phone numbers you didn't ask for. Genuine organisations never pressure you to act instantly.

Source: Scamwatch (National Anti-Scam Centre)

A simple rule helps: stop, check, protect. Stop before you act on an unexpected message or call; check whether it's genuine by contacting the organisation directly using details you find yourself (not the ones provided); and protect yourself by never sharing passwords, one-time codes or remote access.

Urgency & threats — ‘Act now or your account will be closed.’ Pressure is a tactic.

Unusual payment — Gift cards, crypto or transfers to a ‘safe account’ are red flags.

Out-of-the-blue contact — Calls, texts or emails you weren't expecting.

Remote access — Anyone asking to control your device is a serious warning sign.

Personal details — Requests for passwords, PINs or one-time codes.

Too good to be true — Guaranteed returns, prizes you didn't enter, miracle fixes.

What to Do If You've Been Scammed

What should you do straight away?

If you've been scammed, act fast: contact your bank immediately to stop or reverse payments and secure your accounts, change any exposed passwords, report the scam to Scamwatch, and — if your identity was used — contact IDCARE and check your credit file. The sooner you act, the more you can limit the damage.

Source: ASIC Moneysmart — protect yourself from scams

The practical order of priority:

1. Your bank — Call them now to stop payments, freeze cards and watch for further transactions.

2. Secure accounts — Change passwords, turn on multi-factor authentication, log out unknown sessions.

3. Report it — Lodge a report with Scamwatch so it can be tracked and others warned.

4. Identity help — Contact IDCARE (1800 595 160) if your personal details were taken.

5. Cybercrime — Report online crime to ReportCyber.

6. Check your credit file — Look for accounts or enquiries you didn't make.

How a Scam Can Affect Your Credit File

Can a scam affect my credit file?

Yes. If a scammer uses your identity to open accounts or apply for credit, fraudulent enquiries or even defaults can appear on your credit file. Under the Privacy Act 1988 these listings can often be challenged and removed once the fraud is established — but you need to spot them first, which is why checking your credit report after a scam matters.

Source: OAIC — credit reporting; Privacy Act 1988

You can request a free copy of your credit report from each bureau — Equifax, Experian and illion — normally every three months, or sooner if you've recently been a victim of fraud. If you find a listing that resulted from identity theft, see our guide to credit repair after identity theft, and our explainer on identity theft and your credit file.

Watch Out for Credit Repair Scams Too

Are ‘guaranteed’ credit repair offers a scam?

Treat any promise of a ‘guaranteed’ removal as a major red flag — no legitimate, licensed provider can guarantee removing a correctly listed item. Genuine credit repair is licensed by ASIC, works under the Privacy Act 1988, and assesses each file honestly before acting. Large non-refundable upfront fees and pressure to sign on the spot are warning signs.

Source: ASIC Moneysmart — credit repair

The credit-repair industry has its share of dodgy operators, so apply the same scepticism here. Before engaging anyone, run them through our credit repair company checklist — check for an ASIC Australian Credit Licence, transparent or No Win No Fee pricing, AFCA membership, and realistic, Privacy-Act-grounded claims.

Where to Report a Scam & Get Help

These are the official Australian services — bookmark them:

Scamwatch (National Anti-Scam Centre) — report scams & get alerts — scamwatch.gov.au
IDCARE — free identity & cyber support — 1800 595 160 — idcare.org
ReportCyber — report cybercrime — cyber.gov.au
ASIC Moneysmart — scam guidance — moneysmart.gov.au
Your bank — call the number on the back of your card if money is involved
National Debt Helpline — free financial counselling — 1800 007 007

Reviewed by Elisa Rothschild, BA/LLB

Principal Solicitor & Director, Australian Credit Solutions (ASIC ACL 532003). Elisa has worked on credit reporting matters under the Privacy Act 1988 for over a decade, including credit files damaged by identity theft. This page is general consumer-safety information, not legal or financial advice. For official scam reporting and alerts, always use Scamwatch.

Related Guides

FAQs

Scam Safety Questions

How do I report a scam in Australia?

Report scams to Scamwatch, run by the National Anti-Scam Centre, at scamwatch.gov.au. If you've lost money or shared banking details, contact your bank immediately. Identity theft can also be reported to IDCARE (1800 595 160) and cybercrime to ReportCyber at cyber.gov.au.

What should I do if I've been scammed?

Act fast: contact your bank to stop or reverse payments and secure your accounts, change exposed passwords, report it to Scamwatch, and if your identity was used, contact IDCARE and check your credit file. The sooner you act, the more you can limit the damage.

What are the most common warning signs of a scam?

Common red flags include pressure to act urgently, requests to pay by gift card, crypto or unusual transfer, contact out of the blue, requests for remote access to your device, 'too good to be true' offers, and links or numbers you didn't ask for. Genuine organisations don't pressure you to act instantly.

Can a scam affect my credit file?

Yes. If a scammer uses your identity to open accounts or apply for credit, fraudulent enquiries or defaults can appear on your credit file. Those listings can often be challenged and removed under the Privacy Act 1988 once the fraud is established.

Are 'guaranteed' credit repair offers a scam?

Treat any promise of a 'guaranteed' removal as a major red flag — no legitimate, licensed provider can guarantee removing a correctly listed item. Genuine credit repair is licensed by ASIC, works under the Privacy Act 1988, and assesses each file honestly before acting.

Found Fraud on Your Credit File After a Scam?

If a scammer used your identity, fraudulent defaults or enquiries can sit on your file. A free, no-obligation assessment checks what's listed and whether it can be challenged under the Privacy Act 1988. No Win No Fee.

98%Success Rate on Accepted Cases

$0Success Fee If No Listing Removed

Call Now: 0489 265 737 Get My Free Assessment

Solicitor-LedNo Win No Fee OptionsASIC Licensed ACL 532003

Australian Credit Solutions Pty Ltd holds Australian Credit Licence ACL 532003. This page provides general consumer-safety information only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. To report a scam or check current scam alerts, use Scamwatch (scamwatch.gov.au), run by the National Anti-Scam Centre. If you are in immediate danger or money is being taken now, contact your bank and call 000.

Last updated: 14 June 2026 · Reviewed by Elisa Rothschild BA/LLB · ASIC ACL 532003