If anyone is in immediate danger, being threatened, or unsafe, call 000 now. If money is missing, call your bank first, then report the scam to police or ReportCyber. For identity risk, consider IDCARE. For cyber advice, call 1300 CYBER1.
Free first check before you pay for help.Some tech callouts can cost around $199 or more for simple scam checks. Your IT & Tech Mates built these free tools to help you slow down, check safely, and only book hands-on help when you really need it.Use free checker
After money was sent
Lost Money Next Step Helper
If money was sent, act quickly. This helper gives a simple first 10 minutes plan and evidence checklist.
Built for Australians who need a calm first check before clicking, paying, replying, sharing a code or installing anything.
Privacy reminder: Do not enter passwords, one-time codes, card numbers, Medicare details, licence details or private documents. Tick the warning signs only.
Your IT & Tech Mates Lost Money Next Step Helper Australia hero image showing a worried user after sending money to a scam, with urgent next steps to contact the bank, secure accounts, save evidence and report the scam.Answers stay on this page
Triage first
What happened? Choose the safest starting point.
Use this as a first-check triage system. Start with the situation, then move to the safest next step before paying for help.
Safety rule: If money is missing, contact your bank first. If anyone is unsafe or threatened, call 000. Do not share passwords, one-time codes, card numbers or ID details in these tools.
User-tested safety flow
Designed for the moment people feel rushed or unsure.
This tool now gives a clearer path for three real situations: checking before acting, helping someone else, or recovering after money/details were shared.
Before acting
Do not send more money to recover the first payment, unlock a refund, pay tax, or prove your account is safe.
Safest first step
Bank first. Reporting is still important, but the fastest money-protection step is contacting your bank or card provider immediately.
If something already happened
Treat this as urgent. Call your bank or card provider now, then save evidence and secure affected accounts.
Free scam safety helper
Tick what applies.
The result gives a simple risk level, what to avoid, and the safest next action.
Before I actUse this page first, then verify through official details.
Already actedSelect Yes below so the result switches into urgent triage steps.
Helping someoneUse the no-shame share block and keep private details out of messages.
Share this safety check
Help someone check before they click, pay or share details.
Scams spread fast. Sharing this free checker with a parent, friend or work colleague may help them pause before they lose money or share personal information.
Send urgently if someone already paid or shared banking details.
If you or someone you know has paid a scammer, act quickly. This free Australian next-step helper explains what to do first: https://youritmates.com/services/tools/data-and-security/lost-money-to-scam-next-step-helper.html
I’m helping someone else
Use a gentle, no-blame approach. The goal is to slow things down and keep them safe.
Do not blame or shame them.
Ask them not to reply, pay, click or install anything yet.
Check the message, caller, payment or website together.
Save screenshots, numbers, links and receipts.
Get help if money, passwords, identity details or remote access were involved.
Your IT & Tech Mates
Lost Money Next Step Helper
Stop. Check. Stay Safe. A quick first-check guide for Australians.
Warning signs
Money was sent by bank transfer, card, PayID, gift card or crypto
Payment went to an unknown or changed payee
Scammer asked you to keep it secret
You shared codes, passwords or identity details
Remote access or a suspicious app was installed
Next safe steps
Contact your bank/card provider first
Ask about stopping, freezing or disputing the payment
Secure accounts and change passwords from a safe device
Save screenshots, receipts, phone numbers and messages
Report the scam and seek IDCARE help if identity details were shared
Free checker: https://youritmates.com/services/tools/data-and-security/lost-money-to-scam-next-step-helper.html Need local help? Call 0452 323 571.
Bank first, then evidence and reporting
When money has been sent, the first practical step is usually to contact the bank, card provider or payment provider as quickly as possible. Use the official app, card number or website you type yourself.
After that, collect evidence, secure affected accounts, and choose the right reporting path depending on whether it was a scam, cybercrime, identity exposure or device/account compromise.
What to do if it feels urgent
Call your bank or card provider immediately using the number in the official app or on your card.
Ask about stopping, reversing, disputing or freezing the transaction where possible.
Do not keep negotiating with the scammer or send more money to recover the first payment.
Save screenshots, messages, phone numbers, URLs, receipts and transaction IDs.
If identity details were shared, consider IDCARE. If accounts/devices are involved, use ReportCyber and recovery steps.
