1. "I Think I've Been Scammed" — What to Do Right Now
If you've just been scammed, the next 30 minutes matter more than anything else. Banks can sometimes reverse transactions, but only if you act fast. Stop what you're doing and follow these steps in order.
Take a deep breath. Being scammed is stressful and it happens to smart people every day — the ACCC received over 601,000 scam reports in the past year, with Australians losing more than $2.7 billion. You're not silly. You're not alone. But you do need to act quickly.
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Disconnect From the Internet Immediately
Pull out the ethernet cable. Turn off WiFi. If someone has remote access to your computer, this cuts them off instantly. On a phone, switch to Aeroplane Mode. This stops any ongoing data theft dead in its tracks.
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Do NOT Send Any More Money
Scammers often create urgency — "pay now or you'll be arrested," "transfer this to a safe account." No legitimate organisation will ever ask you to pay via gift cards, cryptocurrency, or bank transfers over the phone. Not the ATO. Not the AFP. Not your bank. If someone is pressuring you, hang up.
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Call Your Bank — Right Now
If you've transferred money or shared banking details, call your bank's fraud line immediately. Most major Australian banks have 24/7 fraud departments. Ask them to freeze your accounts and reverse any unauthorised transactions. The sooner you call, the better the chance of getting your money back.
- Commonwealth Bank: 13 2221
- Westpac: 1300 131 133
- ANZ: 13 33 50
- NAB: 13 22 65
- Bankwest: 13 17 19
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4
Change Your Passwords (From a DIFFERENT Device)
If your computer may be compromised, don't use it to change passwords — the scammer might be watching. Use your phone, a family member's laptop, or any device you trust. Start with your email password (this is the master key to everything else), then banking, then social media.
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Report It
Report the scam to Scamwatch (ACCC) and ReportCyber (ACSC). In WA, also contact WA ScamNet through the Department of Commerce. If you've lost money, file a report with WA Police on 131 444 (non-emergency) or attend your local station.
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Call IDCARE If Your Identity Is Compromised
If you shared your driver's licence, Medicare number, passport details, or tax file number, contact IDCARE on 1800 595 160 (free). They're Australia's national identity and cyber support service and will help you create a response plan to protect your identity.
If you're not sure whether you've been scammed or your computer is compromised, don't try to figure it out alone. Call Geeks Perth on 08 6385 7940 — we'll do a same-day cybersecurity check and tell you exactly what's going on.
2. Common Scams Targeting Perth Residents in 2026
Scammers are getting more sophisticated every year. Here are the most common threats hitting Perth inboxes, phones, and computers right now. Knowing what to look for is your first line of defence.
Fake ATO / myGov Calls & Emails
Calls or emails claiming you owe a tax debt and will be arrested unless you pay immediately via gift cards or crypto. The ATO will never threaten you with arrest over the phone or demand unusual payment methods.
NBN / Telstra Impersonation
"Your internet will be disconnected in 24 hours." These blokes call pretending to be from Telstra or NBN Co, then request remote access to "fix" your connection. They install malware and steal banking credentials.
Fake Delivery / Toll SMS
"Your AusPost parcel couldn't be delivered. Click here to reschedule." These texts link to convincing but fake websites designed to steal your credit card details. The 2024 Flubot SMS scam has evolved into even sneakier variants.
Remote Access Scams
"Let me connect to your computer to fix the problem." Scammers use legitimate tools like AnyDesk or TeamViewer to take control of your PC, then access your online banking, install spyware, or lock you out entirely.
Invoice & Business Email Fraud
Hackers compromise a supplier's email and send a legitimate-looking invoice with changed bank details. Perth businesses have lost tens of thousands in single transactions. Always verify payment details by phone before transferring large sums.
Optus / Medibank Data Breach Follow-ups
Scammers use details leaked from the 2022 Optus and Medibank breaches to craft personalised phishing emails. Because they already know your name, DOB, and Medicare number, these messages are incredibly convincing.
AI-Generated Scam Calls & Deepfakes
2026's newest threat: scammers using AI voice cloning to impersonate your boss, family member, or bank manager. If someone calls asking for money or details and it sounds "a bit off," hang up and call them back on a number you trust.
3. Signs Your Computer Has a Virus or Malware
Not sure if your computer is infected? Here's how to tell. If you're experiencing three or more of these symptoms, there's a good chance something dodgy is going on.
- Computer suddenly much slower than normal
- Pop-ups appearing even when browser is closed
- Browser homepage changed without your permission
- Programs you don't recognise appearing
- Mouse cursor moving on its own
- Antivirus software disabled or won't open
- Files missing or encrypted with a ransom note
- Fake "virus detected" warnings from unknown software
- Webcam light turns on when you're not using it
- Friends receiving strange messages from your accounts
- High CPU or fan usage when doing nothing
- Unauthorised purchases on your accounts
If you see a message saying your files have been encrypted and demanding payment in Bitcoin — do NOT pay the ransom. There's no guarantee you'll get your files back, and paying funds criminal organisations. Disconnect from the internet, don't turn off the computer, and call a professional immediately.
4. What to Do If You Clicked a Phishing Link
You clicked a link in a dodgy email or text. Your heart sinks. Here's exactly what to do — step by step — depending on how far you got.
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Clicked the Link But Didn't Enter Anything
Threat level: Low to Medium. Close the browser tab immediately. Clear your browser cache and cookies. Run a full antivirus scan. The link may have attempted a drive-by download, so check your Downloads folder for any files you didn't intentionally save and delete them. You're probably fine, but scan to be safe.
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Entered Your Login Details on a Fake Page
Threat level: High. Change that password immediately — from a different device. If you use the same password anywhere else (we know, we know), change those too. Enable two-factor authentication on every account. Check the account for any changes: forwarding rules in email, connected apps, recovery email/phone number changes.
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Entered Banking or Credit Card Details
Threat level: Critical. Call your bank right now. Not in five minutes — right now. Ask them to block your card, freeze the account, and check for any unauthorised transactions. Request a new card number. Monitor your accounts daily for the next few months.
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4
Downloaded or Opened an Attachment
Threat level: Critical. Disconnect from the internet immediately. Do NOT restart the computer (some malware activates on restart). This needs a professional — you may have a keylogger, trojan, or ransomware payload sitting on your system. Call Geeks Perth for an emergency cybersecurity check.
Check the sender's actual email address (not just the display name), look for spelling mistakes, hover over links before clicking to see the real URL, and be suspicious of any message creating urgency. When in doubt, go directly to the organisation's website by typing the URL yourself — never click the link in the email.
Computer Compromised? Don't Risk It.
Geeks Perth provides same-day virus removal and cybersecurity checks across Perth metro. We'll find what's lurking on your system, remove it completely, and lock things down so it doesn't happen again.
Book Cybersecurity Check5. DIY Malware Removal Steps
If you're confident it's a minor infection — some adware, a browser hijacker, or a dodgy toolbar — you can try removing it yourself. Follow these steps carefully. If at any point something feels wrong, stop and call a professional.
You see a ransomware message, your mouse moves on its own, someone had remote access to your PC, or you've noticed unauthorised bank transactions. These situations require professional cybersecurity intervention.
Step 1: Boot Into Safe Mode
Safe Mode starts Windows with only essential drivers, preventing most malware from running.
Windows 10/11:
- Click Start > Power
- Hold Shift and click Restart
- Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart
- Press 5 or F5 for "Safe Mode with Networking"
Mac: Restart and hold Shift until you see the login window. On Apple Silicon Macs, hold the power button until "Loading startup options" appears, then select your drive and hold Shift while clicking "Continue in Safe Mode."
Step 2: Run Windows Defender Offline Scan
This scan runs before Windows fully loads, catching malware that hides during normal operation.
- Open Windows Security (search for it in Start)
- Click Virus & threat protection
- Click Scan options
- Select Microsoft Defender Offline scan
- Click Scan now — your PC will restart
The scan takes about 15 minutes. Your computer will restart automatically when it's finished.
Step 3: Install and Run Malwarebytes (Free)
Malwarebytes catches things that Windows Defender sometimes misses.
- Download from malwarebytes.com (the official site — don't Google it and click an ad)
- Install and run a full system scan (not quick scan)
- Quarantine everything it finds
- Restart your computer
- Run the scan again to confirm everything is clean
Step 4: Reset Your Browsers
Malware loves to hide in browser extensions and settings. Reset them to factory defaults.
Chrome: Settings > Reset settings > "Restore settings to their original defaults"
Edge: Settings > Reset settings > "Restore settings to their default values"
Firefox: Help > More troubleshooting information > "Refresh Firefox"
After resetting, only reinstall extensions you actually recognise and trust.
Step 5: Check for Suspicious Programs
Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps and sort by "Date installed." Look for anything you don't recognise that was installed recently. Google the name before uninstalling to make sure it's not a system file. Uninstall anything dodgy.
Step 6: Update Everything
Run Windows Update and install all available updates. Update your browser. Outdated software has known vulnerabilities that malware exploits — patching these closes the door behind you.
6. When DIY Won't Cut It — Professional Cybersecurity Check
Some infections are too deep, too dangerous, or too sneaky for DIY removal. Rootkits hide in your system's boot process. Banking trojans intercept your keystrokes. Fileless malware lives entirely in memory and won't show up in standard scans. If you've been targeted by a scammer who had remote access to your computer, there's almost certainly something nasty hiding in there.
A professional cybersecurity check from Geeks Perth goes far beyond running an antivirus scan. Here's what we actually do:
Deep Malware Scan
Multi-engine scanning with professional-grade tools that detect rootkits, zero-day threats, and fileless malware that consumer antivirus misses.
Remote Access Audit
We check for hidden TeamViewer, AnyDesk, VNC, or other remote access tools that scammers leave behind for future access.
Startup & Registry Check
Inspect autorun entries, scheduled tasks, and registry modifications where malware commonly hides to survive restarts.
Account Security Review
Check for compromised passwords, email forwarding rules scammers set up, and unauthorised account access or recovery changes.
Network Analysis
Check your network for suspicious connections, DNS hijacking, and router-level compromises that redirect your traffic.
Security Hardening
Set up proper firewall rules, enable MFA on your accounts, configure Windows security settings, and install trusted security software.
Get a Full Cybersecurity Check Today
Same-day service across Perth metro. We come to you, find what's hiding on your system, clean it out, and lock it down. No jargon, no upselling — just honest tech help.
Book Cybersecurity Check7. How to Protect Yourself Going Forward
Once you've dealt with the immediate crisis, it's time to make sure this never happens again. Cybersecurity isn't about being paranoid — it's about building good habits. Think of it like locking your car. Here's your security checklist:
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Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) on everything. Your email, banking, social media, myGov — all of it. Even if someone steals your password, they can't get in without your phone. Use an authenticator app (Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator) rather than SMS where possible.
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Use a password manager. Bitwarden (free), 1Password, or the built-in managers in Chrome/Safari. Every account should have a unique, strong password. If you're using the same password for everything, a single breach compromises your entire digital life.
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Keep everything updated. Windows Update, browser updates, app updates — install them promptly. Most cyberattacks exploit known vulnerabilities that have already been patched. Turn on automatic updates.
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Back up your files using the 3-2-1 rule. Keep 3 copies of important data, on 2 different types of media, with 1 copy offsite (cloud storage). If ransomware strikes, you can wipe the computer and restore from backup instead of paying.
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Never let anyone you don't trust connect to your computer remotely. Microsoft, Telstra, NBN Co, and the ATO will never cold-call you asking for remote access. If someone calls you first and asks to "take a look at your computer" — hang up immediately.
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Be sceptical of urgency. Scammers create panic — "your account will be closed," "you'll be arrested," "your computer is infected." Legitimate organisations give you time to verify. If something feels urgent and scary, that's a red flag.
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Check haveibeenpwned.com regularly. Enter your email to see if your credentials have been leaked in a data breach. If they have, change those passwords immediately.
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Secure your home WiFi. Change the default router password, use WPA3 encryption (or WPA2 at minimum), and hide your network name if possible. A compromised router can redirect all your traffic through a scammer's server.
8. Australian Reporting Resources
Reporting scams helps protect other Australians and can sometimes help recover lost funds. Here are the key organisations you should contact:
| Organisation | What They Do | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Scamwatch (ACCC) | Report scams, get alerts, check if something is a known scam | scamwatch.gov.au |
| ReportCyber (ACSC) | Report cybercrimes including hacking, malware, ransomware, identity theft | cyber.gov.au 1300 CYBER1 (1300 292 371) |
| IDCARE | Identity theft and data breach response. Free case management and protection plan | idcare.org 1800 595 160 (free) |
| WA ScamNet | WA-specific scam reports via Department of Commerce | commerce.wa.gov.au 1300 30 40 54 |
| WA Police | File a police report if you've lost money or been threatened | 131 444 (non-emergency) 000 (emergency) |
| Your Bank's Fraud Line | Freeze accounts, reverse transactions, block compromised cards | Number on the back of your bank card — call immediately |
| Geeks Perth | Same-day virus removal, malware removal, and cybersecurity checks across Perth | geeksperth.com.au/booking 08 6385 7940 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Not necessarily, but you should act immediately. Disconnect from the internet, run a full antivirus scan using Windows Defender or Malwarebytes, change your passwords from a different device, and monitor your bank accounts. If you entered any personal details or passwords after clicking the link, treat it as a confirmed breach and contact your bank immediately. Geeks Perth offers same-day cybersecurity checks — call 08 6385 7940.
Report scams to Scamwatch (ACCC) and report cybercrimes to the ACSC via ReportCyber. In WA, also contact WA ScamNet through the Department of Commerce. If you've lost money, contact your bank's fraud department immediately and file a police report with WA Police on 131 444.
Geeks Perth offers professional virus and malware removal with transparent pricing. The cost depends on the severity of infection, but we provide a free initial assessment. Our service includes complete malware removal, system security hardening, and prevention setup. Book online or call 08 6385 7940 for a quote.
Minor adware infections can sometimes be handled with Windows Defender and Malwarebytes. However, rootkits, ransomware, banking trojans, and persistent malware require professional tools and expertise. If you're seeing ransomware messages, noticing unauthorised transactions, or the infection returns after you've tried to remove it yourself, call a professional immediately. Don't risk your data or finances trying to fix something that needs specialist tools.
Common signs include: your mouse moves on its own, programs open or close without you doing anything, your passwords stop working, friends receive strange messages from your accounts, unfamiliar programs appear, your webcam light turns on unexpectedly, your computer is extremely slow, and you see pop-ups even when your browser is closed. Any of these warrant an immediate cybersecurity check.
This is a common remote access scam. Immediately: 1) Turn off your computer and disconnect the internet, 2) Call your bank and freeze your accounts, 3) Change all passwords from a different device, 4) Report to Scamwatch and WA Police. Do NOT turn the computer back on until a professional has checked it — scammers commonly install hidden backdoor software. Call Geeks Perth on 08 6385 7940 for urgent same-day assistance.
Yes. We understand that scams and cyberattacks are time-sensitive emergencies. Geeks Perth offers same-day cybersecurity checks and virus removal across the Perth metro area, including Joondalup, Rockingham, Fremantle, Midland, Armadale, and Stirling. Book online or call 08 6385 7940.
Malware is the umbrella term for all malicious software. A virus is a type of malware that replicates by attaching to files. Ransomware encrypts your files and demands payment to unlock them. Other types include spyware (monitors your activity), adware (shows unwanted ads), trojans (disguised as legitimate software), and rootkits (hide deep in your system). Each requires a different removal approach, which is why professional help is often the safest option.
Don't Wait Until It Gets Worse
Whether you've been scammed, clicked a dodgy link, or your computer is acting strange — Geeks Perth is here to help. Same-day service across Perth metro.
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