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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.
Start checkBack to Scam HelpAlready acted?
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.
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.

Before I actI have not clicked, paid, logged in or installed anything yet.Start this checker Money or card details sharedPayment, PayID, gift card, crypto, bank transfer or card details were involved.Bank-first steps Clicked or shared detailsA password, one-time code, personal information or account login may have been shared.Recovery helper Call, pop-up or remote accessSomeone asked to install an app, share a screen, provide codes or give remote access.Remote access check Helping someone elseI am supporting a parent, friend, senior or colleague and want a calm no-shame path.No-shame guide
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.

Has money, a password, a code, identity details, or remote access already been shared?

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.

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.
Related scam safety help

Use the right checker for what happened.

Scam Evidence ChecklistCollect the information banks and reporting services may ask for. Hacked Recovery HelperUse this if passwords, codes, accounts or devices were involved. Secure My Accounts ChecklistLock down Google, Microsoft, Apple, social and banking-related accounts. What to do if you paid a scammerRead the plain-English next step guide. Payment Safety CheckerUse this next time before sending money. Quick HelpGet local support if you need help checking devices or accounts.