If you've lost money to a scam or given out your personal details to a scammer, you're unlikely to get your money back. However there are steps you should take straight away to limit the damage, protect yourself from further loss and get some personal support.

If you are a victim of a scam, you may find personal and or financial counselling useful. Some services are free; using others you may be eligible for a rebate.

We encourage you to print the victims of fraud fact sheet to keep this information handy or to give to someone you know who might need assistance.

Australian Psychological Society

You can find a private psychologist via the Australian Psychological Society. If you want to access Medicare rebates for psychological counselling you will need to see your doctor to get a referral and choose a psychologist who is a registered Medicare psychology provider. There is a link on the Society’s website that will provide you with this list.

National Debt Helpline

The National Debt Helpline is a not-for-profit service that helps people tackle their debt problems. If you are in financial trouble after sending funds to scammers, they can assist with free, independent and confidential financial counselling. You can call them direct on 1800 007 007.

ASIC’s MoneySmart

MoneySmart recommends a number of agencies who are able to provide free credit history reports to help identify possible fraud.

Victim Support Service

The Victim Support Service has a useful website which includes an online directory of service providers. 

The service can help explain some of the effects crime can have on a person as well as information on helping you understand your rights within the criminal justice systems. The Victim Support Service has a useful website which includes an online directory of service providers. The website will help explain some of the impact crime can have on an individual and can help you understand your rights within the criminal justice systems.

IDCARE

IDCARE is Australia and New Zealand’s national identity and cyber support service funded by government and industry. IDCARE assists to reduce the harm victims experience from the compromise or misuse of their identity information by providing effective response and mitigation. You can contact them on 1300 432 273.

Services Australia’s Scams and Identity Theft Helpdesk

The Scams and Identity Theft Helpdesk offers support and advice about how to protect yourself and your personal information. You can report any any Centrelink, Medicare, Child Support and myGov related scams via email or call 1800 941 126.

They can also assist if you have paid funds or provided gift cards or vouchers to a suspected scammer or downloaded fake apps or visited fake websites pretending to be official Services Australia apps and websites.

General assistance

Personal counselling

	Lifeline  Phone: 131114
	Relationships Australia  Phone: 1300 364 277
	Centrecare  Phone: 9325 6644
	Women’s Healthworks  Phone: 9300 1566 (north of the river)
	Communicare  Phone: 9251 5777

Financial Counselling

There are several agencies in Western Australia that offer free or low cost financial counselling. Here are some you can contact:

	Communicare  Phone: 9251 5777
	Anglicare  Phone: 1300 114 446
	Uniting Care West  Phone: 1300 663 298
	Financial Counsellors' Association of WA can also put you in touch with a financial counsellor in your area. Phone: 1800 007 007
	MoneySmart can help you find a financial counsellor

Legal advice

Consumer Credit Legal Service offer legal advice on financial matters. Phone: 9221 7066