Scams

This page contains information about scams, including how to recognise and protect yourself from scams, and what to do if you think you have been the victim of a scam.

The key to protecting yourself from scams is prevention, rather than cure. Once you have lost money to a scam, it is usually very difficult to get your money back. For this reason, you should familiarise yourself with some of the common types of scams.

Remember, if you are not sure if it is a scam, contact us to Get Legal Help before you send any money or give out your personal details.

If you have been the victim of a scam, you can report it online on the ACCC Scamwatch and ACORN websites. However, these websites are mainly used by the authorities to keep track of scams in Australia. You are still very unlikely to recover any money which has been lost.

If you are experiencing financial difficulties as the result of a scam, we may be able to provide you with financial counselling to help you organise your financial situation and manage debts. Please contact us through our Get Legal Help form.

Guides

The Little Black Book of Scams [PDF 559 KB]

Further resources

Scams

Resources to help you identify and protect yourself against scams.

ACCC Scamwatch 

Australian Cybercrime Online Reporting Network (ACORN)

ASIC’s MoneySmart: Scams

Consumer Affairs Victoria: Scams

Identity theft

Resources to help you if you have had your identity details stolen.

ID Care

Financial counselling

Resources to help you if you are experiencing financial difficulties because of a scam.

National Debt Helpline

The information on this website is not legal advice. It is legal information only. If you require legal advice, please contact the UMSU Legal Service here.

Last updated: 7 June 2019