How to Report Scam Calls to Scamwatch Australia: Complete Guide
Received a suspicious call from someone claiming to be from the ATO, Telstra, or your bank? Reporting scam calls
to Scamwatch helps protect other Australians and aids authorities in tracking down fraudsters.
This comprehensive guide walks you through the entire reporting process. Before reporting, you can also verify Australian phone numbers to check
if others have already flagged the caller as a scam.
What Is Scamwatch?
Scamwatch is a service run by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC). It collects scam
reports, issues public warnings, and provides data to law enforcement agencies.
Key functions:
- Receives and analyses scam reports from the public
- Issues scam alerts and warnings
- Provides educational resources on scam prevention
- Shares intelligence with police and other agencies
- Publishes annual scam statistics and trends
In recent years, Scamwatch has received over 350,000 reports annually, with combined losses in the billions of
dollars.
Why Reporting Matters
Many people don’t report scams because they think nothing will happen. Here’s why reporting is crucial:
- Identifies emerging scams: New campaigns are detected through early reports
- Triggers public warnings: Widespread scams prompt official alerts
- Aids investigations: Pattern analysis helps identify scam networks
- Supports prosecution: Reports create paper trails for legal action
- Protects others: Your report could save someone else from losing money
Even if you didn’t lose money, reporting the attempt helps build the complete picture.
When to Report a Call to Scamwatch
Report calls that:
- Claim to be from government agencies (ATO, Centrelink) making threats
- Demand immediate payment via unusual methods (gift cards, crypto)
- Ask for personal information like passwords, PINs, or tax file numbers
- Threaten arrest, deportation, or legal action unless you pay
- Offer unsolicited investment opportunities with guaranteed returns
- Claim your computer has a virus and request remote access
- Pretend to be from your bank about “security issues”
- Involve romance and then requests for money
What Information to Collect
Before reporting, gather as much information as possible:
Essential Information
- Date and time of the call
- Phone number displayed (if any)
- What the caller claimed (organisation, reason for call)
- What they wanted (money, information, access)
- Payment method requested (if applicable)
Helpful Additional Details
- Caller’s name or any reference numbers provided
- Website URLs mentioned
- Email addresses provided
- Specific amounts requested
- Call recording (if you recorded it)
- Your notes of the conversation
Before calling back or engaging further, use our Australian phone number lookup to check if
the number has already been reported as a scam.
How to Report to Scamwatch: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Visit the Scamwatch Website
Go to www.scamwatch.gov.au/report-a-scam
Step 2: Select “Report a Scam”
Click the prominent “Report a scam” button on the homepage.
Step 3: Choose the Scam Type
Select the category that best matches your experience:
- Attempts to gain your personal information
- Buying or selling scams
- Dating and romance scams
- Threats and extortion
- Investment scams
- Jobs and employment scams
- Unexpected prizes and lottery scams
- Other scams
Step 4: Describe the Contact Method
Indicate that the scam occurred via phone call. You’ll also specify whether it was a mobile, landline, or VoIP
call if known.
Step 5: Provide Scammer Details
Enter the phone number, if displayed (even if you suspect spoofing), and any other contact details provided.
Step 6: Describe What Happened
Write a clear, factual description of the call. Include:
- What the caller said
- What they wanted
- Any threats made
- How you responded
- Whether you provided any information or money
Step 7: Report Financial Loss (If Applicable)
If you lost money, provide details of the amount and payment method. This helps prioritise high-impact scams.
Step 8: Provide Your Contact Details
Optional but recommended. Your details aren’t shared publicly but allow investigators to follow up if needed.
Step 9: Submit and Note Reference Number
After submission, you’ll receive a reference number. Keep this for your records.
Other Agencies to Report To
Depending on the scam type, additional reports may be appropriate:
ReportCyber (ACSC)
When: Cyber-related scams, hacking, ransomware, online fraud
Website: cyber.gov.au/report
Your Bank
When: You’ve shared banking details or made a payment
Action: Call immediately to freeze accounts and dispute transactions
IDCARE
When: Your personal information was compromised
Phone: 1800 595 160 (free service)
Website: idcare.org
State Police
When: Significant financial loss or ongoing harassment
Action: File a report with your local police station
ACMA
When: Telemarketing violations (not scams, but unwanted sales calls)
Website: acma.gov.au
What Happens After Your Report
After you submit a Scamwatch report:
- Triage: Reports are reviewed and categorised
- Pattern analysis: Your report joins others to identify trends
- Intelligence sharing: Information shared with relevant agencies
- Public alerts: Widespread scams may trigger public warnings
- Potential investigation: Significant cases may lead to enforcement
Note: Due to volume, individual reports aren’t typically investigated on their own, but contribute to larger
actions.
Protecting Yourself After a Scam Call
If You Didn’t Engage
- Block the number
- File your Scamwatch report
- Stay alert for follow-up attempts
If You Provided Information
- Change any compromised passwords immediately
- Enable two-factor authentication on accounts
- Contact your bank if financial details shared
- Request a credit report check
- Contact IDCARE for identity support
If You Lost Money
- Contact your bank immediately (some transactions can be reversed)
- Report to police (for insurance and records)
- Report to Scamwatch with full details
- Seek support (financial counselling services are free)
Using Technology to Prevent Future Scam Calls
Combine reporting with proactive protection:
- Verify unknown numbers: Use our free phone lookup tool before
answering or returning calls - Enable call screening: Use built-in phone features or carrier services
- Register with Do Not Call: Reduces legitimate telemarketing
- Install caller ID apps: Truecaller, Hiya identify known spam
Frequently Asked Questions
Will reporting get my money back?
Reporting to Scamwatch doesn’t recover funds directly. For potential recovery, contact your bank immediately and
report to police. Some payment methods offer buyer protection.
Is my report anonymous?
You can report without providing personal details. However, providing contact information allows investigators to
follow up if needed.
Should I report even if I didn’t lose money?
Absolutely. Attempted scams are equally important to report. They help identify active campaigns before victims
lose money.
What if the scammer used a spoofed number?
Report the displayed number anyway. Even spoofed numbers create patterns that help investigations.
How long does it take to process a report?
Reports are added to the database quickly. Complex investigations may take months or years due to international
elements.
Join the Fight Against Phone Scams
Every report contributes to protecting Australians from phone fraud. By taking a few minutes to document and
report scam calls, you help build the intelligence needed to shut down scam operations and warn others.
Received a suspicious call? First check if the number is already known using our verify Australian phone number tool, then
report to Scamwatch to help protect the community.