ACCC Scamwatch

Scamwatch is an online service operated by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) that allows Australian consumers and businesses to report scams and access up-to-date scam intelligence. Reports can be lodged at scamwatch.gov.au at any time, and the platform publishes live statistics on the number and dollar value of scams reported each year, broken down by scam category and contact method.

The ACCC uses data collected through Scamwatch to identify high-priority scam types, issue public warnings, and work with partner agencies such as the Australian Signals Directorate's Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC), the Australian Federal Police, and state police services. When a report involves a serious financial crime or a systemic scam operation, the ACCC can refer the matter to law enforcement or initiate its own regulatory action.

Consumers are encouraged to report even if they did not lose money, as partial information can complete an intelligence picture. Scamwatch also provides category-specific guides (investment scams, romance scams, government impersonation, etc.) that explain warning signs and recovery steps. For identity theft that follows a scam, IDCARE (idcare.org) is the recommended specialist service.