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What To Do Next

Think you may have been scammed or know for certain? Let’s get you recovered safely.
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The First 24 Hours: Step-by-Step Scam Response

Being a victim of a scam or fraud can be an overwhelming and scary experience, but you’re not alone. CybearTrace is a Cybercrime Response Service that provides fast, professional guidance for scam and fraud victims across Australia and Southeast Asia.

If you’re involved in a scam or uncertain about your situation, there are steps you can take to recover in the first 24 hours. Acting early is critical, so follow this step-by-step scam response process.

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Scenario 1

I’m still in contact and am not sure if it’s a scam

If you’re still messaging the person or platform, it’s important to take immediate action to protect yourself and your data. We call this: Act. Secure. Ask. 

Step 1: Act 
Take the following actions immediately:
  • Stop all payments
  • Don’t accuse the provider and stay in a neutral conversation.
  • Quietly collect screenshots of your chats, profiles, and transactions for possible future reporting
  • You’ll also want to collect any profile usernames, phone numbers, emails, payment instructions, and website links
Step 2: Secure
Take the following actions immediately:
  • Stop all payments
  • Don’t accuse the provider and stay in a neutral conversation.
  • Quietly collect screenshots of your chats, profiles, and transactions for possible future reporting
  • You’ll also want to collect any profile usernames, phone numbers, emails, payment instructions, and website links
Step 3: Ask
Secure all your accounts and devices.This could mean: 
  • Scammers are unable to provide consistent, compliant evidence. So ask for official documents: 
  • Company registration
  • Licence numbers (e.g., AFSL, ASIC, MAS)
  • Verifiable phone billing
Always use your judgement. If it’s a scam, we’re here to help you with the right advice. Contact CybearTrace for a confidential and professional discussion.
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Scenario 2

I already paid and they vanished

If the scammer has disappeared, call your bank or platform provider immediately. You should also start recording any evidence before they disappear. We call this: Contact. Secure. Gather. Report.

Step 1

Contact
Contact your bank or payment platform and tell them it was an unauthorised transfer. You can speak to them about:
  • Payment recall
  • Hold
  • Chargeback (if card-based)
  • Fraud investigation procedures
For non-bank transactions, send your reference numbers to exchanges, brokers, marketplaces, telcos, or apps involved.
Step 2
Secure
Secure your digital identity immediately. 
  • Reset all passwords (email, banking, messaging apps)
  • Enable two-factor-authentication
  • Run malware/virus scans on your computer and digital devices 
  • Remove any unknown login sessions
Step 3
Gather
Start your evidence on all conversations and transactions, which will be used for reporting and potential recovery. 
  • Payment receipts
  • Tx IDs
  • Chat logs
  • Dates, amounts, and timelines
  • Beneficiary details and platform links

Step 4

Report

File official reports with the relevant authorities in your country. You’ll need a reference number for any banks and platforms.

If you’re in

  • Australia: ACCC Scamwatch
  • Singapore: ScamShield
  • Philippines: Scam Watch Philipinas

Other Countries: Contact CybearTrace

Need help building your case and investigating your scam?

Contact CybearTrace today.
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Scenario 3

I’m not sure

If you’re uncertain whether it’s a scam, always trust your instincts and act safely. Here are some basic scam prevention activities you can take: 

Step 1

Pause all payments 

Stop all payments to the scammer and don’t give in to any coercion or manipulation tactics.

Step 2

Secure accounts and devices

Ensure all your bank accounts are secure with 2-Factor Authentication.

Step 3

Start capturing screenshots and details

Slowly gather evidence, such as screenshots and transactions.

Step 4

Contact CybearTrace 

Our team can assess your situation and confirm if it’s a scam. We’ll then guide you on the next steps based on your country and platform.

Fraud Response with CybearTrace

Scams move quickly, and acting early gives you the best chance for potential recovery. At CybearTrace, we have helped hundreds of customers recover from romance scams, investment scams, crypto scams, and more. 

24/7

Immediate support
Structured, stress-free process
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Frequently Asked Questions

Can CybearTrace guarantee I’ll get my money back?
Unfortunately no. No scam prevention organisation can guarantee any transaction recovery. However, we can submit evidence and connect with the relevant parties to improve your chances and reduce further loss.
CybearTrace helps you understand what has happened during an online cam. While we cannot promise scam recovery (no one can) we can stop further loss, secure your accounts, preserve evidence, and take the correct next steps for reporting and recovery.
CybearTrace helps you understand what has happened during an online cam. While we cannot promise scam recovery (no one can) we can stop further loss, secure your accounts, preserve evidence, and take the correct next steps for reporting and recovery.