Print

Help and support

If you run into trouble online, don’t panic! There are places you can go to get help, and things you can do.

I suspect I’m being scammed

If you think you’ve been the victim of scam, don’t be embarrassed and don’t keep it to yourself. There are steps you can take to fix the problem.

  1. Contact your bank and stop any further payments to the scammer.
  2. Report the scam to the ACCC (Australian Competition and Consumer Commission). Head to www.scamwatch.gov.au for help with reporting and understanding scams.
  3. Raise awareness. If there’s anybody else you know who might be a victim, let them know.
A screenshot of a game of Solitaire

I think my computer has a virus

If your computer starts acting strangely, it may have contracted a virus. Some common signs of a virus include:

  • Messages that say files have been locked and you need to pay to unlock them
  • Programs that won’t start
  • Websites that open when you don’t want them to
  • Ads that popup and cover your computer screen
  • Your computer runs very slowly.

If you think you have a virus, just follow these steps:

  1. Open your antivirus software and run a manual scan. This might pick up any problems.
  2. If you subscribe to a paid antivirus program, call its help line. Part of the price of the subscription should include access to a help hotline.
  3. Call computer support. If both the above don’t work, it’s time to call help. Start with either a computer-savvy relative or find a local computer help service.

I think somebody has access to my passwords

If you think that one of your internet accounts has been accessed by somebody else, then the most important thing to do is to change your password as soon as possible. Go to the website, then find the Help section, and the part where you can change your password.

Knowing when to get help

Perhaps the most important thing of all is knowing when to seek help. Don’t be embarrassed that you have a problem – people have them all the time – and find someone who will help. Perhaps it’s the anti-scam folks at the ACCC, or a technically minded friend or family member, or even a local computer technician. There’s always someone who can help.

beconnected.esafety.gov.au