Step 1
Stop if you feel rushed, threatened or told to keep it secret.
Before you send money
Payment Safety Checker
Check PayID, bank transfer, invoice, marketplace, parcel fee, rental deposit and family payment requests before you send money.
Scam Help helps Australians choose the right next step before they click, before they pay, after they click, or when they need to report.
Privacy assurance: answers stay on this page/device. We do not store your answers or reports on our server. Details are cleared when you close or leave the page.
What are you about to pay for?
Tick what applies. The result gives simple next steps, a safer next action and a simple report you can copy.
Not sure where to start?
Choose I am not sure and answer the two safety questions. The helper will still give you a safe first step.
- Before you click or pay: stop and verify first.
- Already clicked, paid or shared a code: use Recovery Help and save evidence.
- Money or banking involved: call your bank first.
Simple guide
This page is both a free tool and a plain-English guide, so it is useful even if scripts are not running.
Step 2
Verify changed bank details by calling a known phone number, not a number from the message.
Step 3
Do not pay gift cards, crypto, “release fees” or deposits until you confirm the request.
Step 4
If you already paid, call your bank first and use Recovery Help to create a report.
Create a simple report
Fill in only what you are comfortable sharing. This creates an on-page report you can copy for your bank, ReportCyber, IDCARE, ATO, employer, family member or Your IT & Tech Mates.
Your details stay on this page.
We do not store your answers or report on our server. The details are cleared when you close or leave the page. Do not enter passwords, login codes, full card numbers or identity document numbers.
What should I use next?
Choose the helper that matches what happened: strange link, scam message, payment request, remote access warning or hacked account.
Scam SMS & Email Checker
Open the related helper for the next safe step.
Recovery Help
Open the related helper for the next safe step.
Remote Access Scam Checker
Open the related helper for the next safe step.
Secure My Accounts Checklist
Open the related helper for the next safe step.
Business Email Safety Check
Open the related helper for the next safe step.
Family Scam Check
Open the related helper for the next safe step.
Marketplace Scam Checker
Open the related helper for the next safe step.
Scam Evidence Checklist
Open the related helper for the next safe step.