Practical Guide: What to do if you think you've been scammed

Oct 2025 | 5-minute read

What's in this article

• Act fast to secure your money, personal details, and financial information
• Follow key steps: lock your accounts and cards, stop communication and report the activity
• Use SafeBlock to instantly take control of your banking and protect your money
• Stay alert for scammers and share advice with family and friends.

Why acting fast matters

Scams can happen in an instance, even to people who thought they'd never be tricked. Whether it’s an online scam, a concerning phone call, or a strange request for personal information, acting fast is key to protecting your money and personal information. If you report the scam quickly, it can help reduce your risk and prevent further loss.

Step-by-step action plan:

If you suspect you've been scammed of your personal information, lost money or involved in a data breach, it's crucial to act quickly to minimise financial loss and safeguard your personal and financial information. From recognising the signs of a scam to taking steps to protect your money, every moment matters. Acting swiftly and understanding your options not only helps reduce the impact but also ensures you get the right support when you need it most.

1. Lock your accounts and cards

Preventing further transactions and identifying any transferred money should be one of your first priorities if you suspect unusual activity. SafeBlock gives you the ability to instantly lock your accounts and cards through the Westpac App or Online Banking. This helps stop any further potential transactions while you review the activity and contact us. If you believe you’ve been targeted by a scam, activating SafeBlock should be your first step to secure your accounts. Search "SafeBlock" in the Westpac App or Online Banking.

Why use SafeBlock?

SafeBlock is your emergency button when something doesn't feel right. It gives you the power to pause, take a breath, and assess what's happened, knowing your accounts and cards are locked and protected from further activity.

Once you’ve activated SafeBlock, no new payments will be debited. Next, contact us to report the scam and or other relevant financial institutions. For the fastest support, we recommend calling us via the Westpac App, which connects you to the right team straight away.

Awareness is key. SafeBlock is available to Westpac customers, share it with family and friends so they know how to act quickly if needed. Scammers often target people close to you, so spreading awareness about how to respond can help other stay safe. It might help them act quickly in the event something goes wrong.

2. Stop all communication

If you receive a message, email, or phone call that feels off or raises concern, treat it as suspicious contact and end the conversation immediately.

It might feel uncomfortable to block or cut off communication — especially if you've been engaging with someone or sending them money over time. But scammers often work hard to appear legitimate and may try to isolate you from anyone who questions their behaviour. Once you recognise the scam, the contact may start to feel increasingly suspicious or manipulative, often escalating their demands or creating a sense of urgency to pressure you into acting quickly.

Acting quickly to contact your bank or by activating SafeBlock helps protect you and gives you space to assess the situation with clarity. 

3. Secure your accounts and device

Sign in to your bank or card provider and check for any unusual activity. If you've used the same password across multiple accounts or shared personal or financial information — whether through emails, text messages, or over the phone — update your email accounts, banking, and social media passwords right away.

If you're going to change your password for your bank account, credit card or other sites involved in the scam, it can pay to visit their website using a device that wasn't involved in any suspected scam activity. This small step can help keep your information safer. For example, if you shared remote access to your desktop or mobile with another person, until this software has been removed, the device may not be safe to enter personal or financial information.

4. Report the scam

Contact your bank immediately and report the incident. The sooner you report, the faster we can start the process in attempts to retrieve any lost money and secure your financial information. Visit our How to Report page to submit a scam report.

If you've been impersonated on social media, it's important to alert your family and friends as soon as possible. Scammers often target people close to you, so giving them a heads-up can help prevent further harm. Sharing safety tips and support can also empower others to protect themselves.

5. Stay informed

Scammers may target you again, often using new tactics or targeting you in different ways. Stay alert and monitor your accounts regularly. Learning about the different types of scams — such as identity theft, investment scams, and phishing — can help you recognise red flags and avoid falling for a scam in the future. 

Visit our Security Hub for updates on common scam types and cybercrime prevention tips. Bookmark the site and check back often for the latest advice to help you stay one step ahead.