What to Do If You've Been Scammed?

If you suspect that you've been deceived by an investment platform, take these steps swiftly:

• Stop sending money. Block all contacts with the scammer.
• Immediately contact your bank or financial institution to report the scam. Ask them to halt any transactions.
• Warn your family and friends about the scam to prevent subsequent scams.

Payment Methods and Recovery Actions

• Credit/Debit Cards: Contact your bank or card provider immediately to report the fraud. Ask them to stop any transactions.
• Gift Cards: Report to the issuing company.
• Wire Transfers: Report to the wire transfer company or bank used.
• Remittance Apps: Report to the app provider (seller or developer, not the app store).
• Crypto: While crypto companies can only help track the flow of funds and not forcibly retrieve scammed funds, hiring a professional blockchain law team for intrusion recovery is a viable option. Contact us!
• Cash: If sent via mail or delivery services, contact the postal service or courier to see if they can intercept the package.
• Unauthorized Transfers: If the scammer transferred money without your consent, immediately report it to your bank. Ask them to freeze your account and transactions.

If Your Personal Information Has Been Compromised

If your personal details such as name, phone, email, address, identification documents have been leaked due to a data breach, here's what you should do:

• Report the data breach to your financial institutions—let your bank, superannuation fund, and any other financial service providers know.
• Contact IDCARE – Call 1800 595 160 (Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM). They can help you formulate a plan (for free) to limit the losses.
• Create a new, stronger password—make sure you've never used it before. Update it wherever you've used the leaked password.
• Be vigilant for suspicious contacts—through emails, phone calls, texts, or messages on social media. Block or do not respond to anyone you don't know. Do not click on any links.
• Monitor your bank accounts for any unauthorized transactions.
• Monitor your credit report—request a temporary ban on your credit report to ensure no unauthorized loans or credit applications are made.

For more tips, see identity theft.

If a Scammer Has Accessed Your Computer or Phone

Scammers pretend to be from your internet or phone provider. They claim you have a technical problem and request access to your device. Then they infect it with viruses to steal your passwords and financial information. Here's what you should do:

• If they accessed your computer—update your security software and run a virus scan. Delete any content identified as a problem and reset your passwords.
• If they accessed your phone or phone account—report it to your phone provider. Update your security software and run a virus scan. Change your passwords or personal identification numbers, block scam calls, and consider changing your phone number.
• You can also have an IT professional personally check your device.