Been Scammed? What to Do Next, Step by Step

Think you may have been scammed or know for certain? Let’s get you recovered safely.

Who we are

The First 24 Hours: Step-by-Step Scam Response

Being a victim of a scam or fraud can be an overwhelming and scary experience, but you’re not alone. CybearTrack is a Cybercrime Response Service that provides fast, professional guidance for scam and fraud victims across Australia and Southeast Asia.

If you’re involved in a scam or uncertain about your situation, there are steps you can take to recover in the first 24 hours. Acting early is critical, so follow this step-by-step scam response process.

Scenario 1

I’m still in contact and am not sure if it’s a scam

If you’re still messaging the person or platform, it’s important to take immediate action to protect yourself and your data. We call this: Act. Secure. Ask.

Not sure yet whether it’s a scam? Start with our Am I being scammed? checklist.

Step 1: Act

Take the following actions immediately:

Stop all payments
Don’t accuse the provider and stay in a neutral conversation.
Quietly collect screenshots of your chats, profiles, and transactions for possible future reporting
You’ll also want to collect any profile usernames, phone numbers, emails, payment instructions, and website links

Step 2: Secure

Secure all your accounts and devices. This could mean:

Changing your banking details or cancelling your bank cards
Changing your online banking passwords
Updating your phone authentication
Turning on app-based two-factor authentication

Step 3: Ask

Scammers are unable to provide consistent, compliant evidence. So ask for official documents:

Company registration
Licence numbers (e.g., AFSL, ABN, ASIC registration)
Verifiable phone billing

Always use your judgement. If it’s a scam, we’re here to help you with the right advice. Contact CybearTrack for a confidential and professional discussion.

Scenario 2

I already paid and they vanished

If the scammer has disappeared, call your bank or platform provider immediately. You should also start recording any evidence before they disappear. We call this: Contact. Secure. Gather. Report.

Step 1

Contact

Contact your bank or payment platform and tell them it was an unauthorised transfer. You can speak to them about:

Payment recall
Hold
Chargeback (if card-based)
Fraud investigation procedures

For non-bank transactions, send your reference numbers to exchanges, brokers, marketplaces, telcos, or apps involved.

Step 2

Secure

Secure your digital identity immediately.

Reset all passwords (email, banking, messaging apps)
Enable two-factor-authentication
Run malware/virus scans on your computer and digital devices
Remove any unknown login sessions

Step 3

Gather

Start your evidence on all conversations and transactions, which will be used for reporting and potential recovery.

Payment receipts
Tx IDs
Chat logs
Dates, amounts, and timelines
Beneficiary details and platform links

Step 4

Report

File official reports with the relevant authorities in your country. You’ll need a reference number for any banks and platforms.

Where to report in Australia:

Scams: ACCC Scamwatch
Cybercrime: ReportCyber
Unlicensed investment firms: ASIC Moneysmart

Need expert help? Contact CybearTrack

Need help building your case and investigating your scam?

Contact CybearTrack today.

Scenario 3

I’m not sure

If you’re uncertain whether it’s a scam, always trust your instincts and act safely. Here are some basic scam prevention activities you can take:

Step 1

Pause all payments

Stop all payments to the scammer and don’t give in to any coercion or manipulation tactics.

Step 2

Secure accounts and devices

Ensure all your bank accounts are secure with 2-Factor Authentication.

Step 3

Start capturing screenshots and details

Slowly gather evidence, such as screenshots and transactions.

Step 4

Contact CybearTrack

Our team can assess your situation and confirm if it’s a scam. We’ll then guide you on the next steps based on your country and platform.

Fraud Response with CybearTrack

Scams move quickly, and acting early gives you the best chance for potential recovery. At CybearTrack, we have helped hundreds of customers recover from romance scams, investment scams, crypto scams, and more.

CybearTrack client

Been Scammed? Can You Get Your Money Back?

Sometimes. If you’ve been scammed, your chances are best when you act within hours and paid by card or bank transfer. Call your bank’s fraud line straight away: it can try to stop or recall a transfer and may be able to dispute a card payment. If you paid in crypto, the exchange you sent from can’t reverse it, but the funds can be traced on the blockchain, and the exchange where they land can freeze the account when police ask. Report to ReportCyber so police have a record, and contact IDCARE if your identity details were shared.

Be careful of anyone who promises to get your money back for an upfront fee. That is a recovery scam. If you’d like an honest view of your case, talk to CybearTrack. Read more: do banks refund scammed money in Australia?

Scam Response FAQs

Can CybearTrack guarantee I’ll get my money back?

Unfortunately no. No scam prevention organisation can guarantee any transaction recovery. However, we can submit evidence and connect with the relevant parties to improve your chances and reduce further loss.

If I’m still talking to the scammer, is it too late?

No, but we recommend proceeding with caution. Don’t act suspiciously or accuse them. More importantly, don’t send more money. Contact us privately and we’ll guide you on how to move forward.

What information do you need to assess my case?

You can submit any document that can help your case. This includes screenshots, payment instructions, chat logs, profile links, platform names, or dates.