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Fluent · Handout

Scams and fraud: Australia.

A take-home sheet for people at the session. Other countries: United States · United Kingdom · Canada.

Moraph for Good · Fluent

Scams and fraud: Australia

Handout · moraph.org/commons/sessions/fluent/scams-and-fraud

Every scam ends with a request to move money or share a code, and that is the moment to stop. This sheet has the warning signs, the first-hour steps, and where to report where you live.

The habit

  • Stop, hang up, and call back on a number you already have
  • Check new bank details by phone before you pay
  • Never read out a code you didn’t ask for

Warning signs

  • Contact out of the blue, with urgency or secrecy
  • A “safe account”, or new bank details
  • Guaranteed high returns, or fees to withdraw
  • Someone met online who needs money

The first hour

  • Stop paying, and call your bank on the number on your card
  • Change passwords you gave away, and keep the evidence
  • Report it to the police and the services below
  • Watch for recovery offers, and tell someone you trust

Signs of identity theft

  • Transactions or accounts you don’t recognize
  • Bills or debt letters for things you didn’t buy
  • Refused credit you would expect to get

In Australia

  • Report cybercrime. If you are a victim of cybercrime, report it through ReportCyber, part of the Australian Cyber Security Centre.
  • Scamwatch. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s Scamwatch collects scam reports and shares information about scams, but doesn’t respond to individual reports.
  • Identity crime. Signs include items on your statements you don’t recognize, bills for things you didn’t buy, or being told, when you apply for a government benefit, that you are already claiming it. Report identity crime to your local police on 131 444; the Australian Federal Police points people to IDCARE for help.
  • Investment scams. ASIC keeps an investor alert list of companies and websites not to trust, and its Moneysmart website explains steps to take if you think you’ve been scammed.

Official places to check:

  • Australian Federal Police: www.afp.gov.au/crimes/cybercrime
  • Australian Federal Police: www.afp.gov.au/crimes/fraud-and-corruption/identity-crime-australia
  • Australian Securities and Investments Commission: www.asic.gov.au/about-asic/what-we-do/moneysmart-for-consumers

General information, not advice about your own situation. Checked 19 October 2026. If an official source says something different, it is right. Free to copy and adapt. moraph.org/commons/sessions/fluent/scams-and-fraud