If you’re experiencing any form of online harm, you don’t need to deal with it alone. Whether it’s a scam, identity theft or online abuse, there are a range of services to support you.
Keep reading to learn how to get support.
Report a cybercrime or online scam
If you’re a victim of cybercrime (including getting scammed), your first step should be to make a report. Visit our How to report cybercrime and online scams page to learn how to make a report.
Support with identity theft
If your identity is stolen and you need support, you can access the services of IDCARE. IDCARE is Australia’s independent national identity and cyber support community service. They provide practical advice about digital identity and related cyber security incidents.
One of the most common ways your identity may be compromised is through a cyber incident (like a data breach). If your details have been involved in a breach, the affected organisation might offer incident-specific IDCARE support to you.
When engaging IDCARE, you will need to provide them the code given to you by the organisation. This will ensure the advice and support provided is tailored to your specific circumstances.
While waiting for specific information from an organisation, you can still contact IDCARE for general advice. However, it is recommended you update them if contacted by the organisation to ensure the advice is the most appropriate.
The Victorian Government will also provide information on incidents, including where to go to for support.
If your identify has been compromised by another type of cybercrime, you can lodge a report with the Australian Cyber Security Centre’s ReportCyber, which will provide you with access to IDCARE services.
Support with scams
Australian Financial Complaints Authority
If you’ve been scammed, we advise you to immediately contact your bank or financial institution. You can report the scam to them and ask for any transactions to be stopped.
If you're not happy with how your bank responds, you can contact the Australian Financial Complaints Authority.
Scamwatch
Scamwatch offers advice and support on how to recognise and avoid scams.
Moneysmart
MoneySmart offers information about financial, investment and insurance scams.
Talk to a financial counsellor
Talk to a financial counsellor if a scam is causing you problems with debt. This is a free and confidential service to help you get your finances back on track.
Support with online safety
eSafety is Australia's independent regulator for online safety. Visit the website to learn how to prevent and deal with harm caused by serious online abuse or illegal and restricted online content.
Support with your business’ cyber security
Business Victoria offers expert advice and support for managing cyber security in your business.
Need to talk to someone?
It’s an awful experience to be affected by cybercrime and scams. It can happen to anyone and it’s normal to feel stressed, confused or angry.
Remember, you’re not alone.
If you need someone to talk to, reach out to your family and friends.
There are also organisations that can offer you free support online or over the phone, such as:
Lifeline: Call 13 11 14 or talk to someone using their online crisis support chat service (24 hours a day, 7 days a week).
Lifeline provides free crisis support to help with emotional distress from scams and other cybercrime.
- Beyond Blue: Call 1300 22 4636 or talk to someone using their online chat service (24 hours a day, 7 days a week).
Beyond Blue provides free support for anxiety and depression.
- Kids Helpline: Call 1800 55 1800 or talk to someone using their webchat counselling service (24 hours a day, 7 days a week).
Kids Helpline is a free online and phone counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25. The organisation provides practical help and emotional support when kids need someone to listen.
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