Reference
Where to get help in Australia
When a gaming problem is bigger than a single game — a suspected scam, an online safety concern, a privacy issue, or a dispute you cannot resolve — Australia has public bodies whose job is to help. This page lists the ones we refer to across the site, what each does, and when it is the right one to contact.
These are all genuine Australian government or statutory services, linked to their official websites. We describe each only in the role it actually holds. If your situation is urgent or involves an immediate threat to safety, contact emergency services on triple zero (000) rather than any of the bodies below.
Scams and money lost to fraud
Scamwatch — National Anti-Scam Centre
Scamwatch, run by the National Anti-Scam Centre, provides information on recognising scams and a way to report them. Use it if you have encountered a fake game download or sign-up, a message trying to trick you into revealing a password, or an offer that turned out to be fraudulent. Reporting helps warn others and builds a picture of current scams.
Securing your accounts and devices
Australian Cyber Security Centre
The Australian Cyber Security Centre publishes practical, regularly updated advice on protecting your accounts and devices — strong passwords, two-factor sign-in, spotting malicious downloads, and what to do after a compromise. Use it for how-to guidance on security, and after an incident to work out your next steps.
Online safety, especially for young people
eSafety Commissioner
The eSafety Commissioner is Australia’s independent regulator for online safety. It offers advice for parents and carers and can act on serious online harms such as cyberbullying of a child or image-based abuse. Use it if a young person is being harmed online, including through a game’s chat or community, or for guidance on keeping children safer online.
Privacy and your personal information
Office of the Australian Information Commissioner
The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) regulates privacy under the Privacy Act 1988 and the Australian Privacy Principles. Use it if you have a concern about how an organisation has handled your personal information and you have not been able to resolve it with the organisation directly. The OAIC is also where a privacy complaint can be escalated.
Consumer rights and misleading conduct
Australian Competition and Consumer Commission
The ACCC administers the Australian Consumer Law alongside the state and territory consumer agencies. Use its website for guidance on the consumer guarantees and to report misleading or deceptive conduct by a business. For a personal dispute, your state or territory consumer affairs office may also be able to assist.
Game classification
Australian Classification Board
The Australian Classification website is where computer game classifications and their consumer advice are published. Use it to check how a specific game is classified and what content the classification reflects, before you or someone in your household plays. Our classification guide explains how to read what you find.
Before you contact anyone, gather this
Whichever body you approach, a report or request is more useful when it is specific. A few minutes spent collecting the details makes the difference between a vague complaint and one that can be acted on.
- Dates and times. When did it happen, and when did you first notice?
- What you saw. The web address involved, the exact wording of any message, and screenshots if you have them.
- What you did. Whether you clicked, downloaded, entered a password, or paid — and through what method.
- Any money involved. Amounts, dates and the payment method, plus receipts or bank records.
- Who you have already contacted. If you have raised it with a vendor or your bank, note what they said.
How to make an effective report
Reporting serves two purposes: it may help your own situation, and it adds to the picture the authorities use to warn and protect others. To get the most from it, report to the body whose role actually fits the problem — a privacy concern to the OAIC, a scam to Scamwatch — rather than to all of them at once. Use the official website linked above in each case, describe what happened plainly and in order, and keep a copy of any reference number you are given. If money has left your account, contact your bank or card provider promptly as well, because timing can affect what they are able to do. None of these services can recover an in-game account for you; only the game’s own vendor support can do that, and our staying safe page explains how to reach it safely.
Not sure which one?
- Lost money or spotted a fake — Scamwatch.
- Need to secure an account — Australian Cyber Security Centre.
- A child is being harmed online — eSafety Commissioner.
- A privacy concern — OAIC.
- A consumer dispute — ACCC and your state consumer office.
- A classification question — Australian Classification.