Behind a single suspicious text, unexpected password reset request, or unfamiliar bank alert can sit an entire criminal ecosystem working quietly in the background to impersonate you.
Hacked: The Digital Underworld is a new Crime Stoppers Victoria and BankVic video series that pulls back the curtain on identity takeover and cybercrime, guided by the real investigators who see it unfold every day.
Between 1 January and 1 December 2025, Victorian victims of identity theft scams made 2,415 reports through ReportCyber, the national reporting portal for cyber-facilitated crime. During this period, victims reported over $9.1 million in scam-related payments, alongside more than $41.5 million in additional financial losses connected to these types of offences.
Across three powerful acts, this brand-new series takes viewers from the first invisible warning signs through to the hidden networks exploiting stolen data, and finally, the practical steps you can take to fight back.
If you’ve ever wondered how quickly digital crime can escalate, or what you should do the moment something feels off, this is a series you won’t want to miss.
Part 1: Watch to understand how identity theft begins
Part 2: What happens after personal details are stolen
Victoria Police Cybercrime Squad Detective Sergeant John Cheyne explains the earliest warning signs of compromise, the moments people often dismiss, and why the first few hours after a hack can shape everything that follows.
Would you recognise the signs in time?
Part two explains how information is shared between offenders, how identities are used to commit further crimes, and why many victims do not realise what is happening until much later.
How far could your identity travel without you knowing?
Part 3: Learn what actions make the biggest difference
Victoria Police Detective Sergeant John Cheyne outlines the steps that can reduce harm, the common mistakes that increase risk, and how people can regain control after an identity takeover.
If something went wrong today, would you know what to do next?
Part 1: Watch to understand how identity theft begins
Victoria Police Cybercrime Squad Detective Sergeant John Cheyne explains the earliest warning signs of compromise, the moments people often dismiss, and why the first few hours after a hack can shape everything that follows.
Part 2: Watch to see what happens after personal details are stolen
Part two of ‘Hacked: The Digital Underworld’ explains how information is shared between offenders, how identities are used to commit further crimes, and why many victims do not realise what is happening until much later.
Part 3: Watch to learn what actions make the biggest difference
Victoria Police Cybercrime Squad Detective Sergeant John Cheyne explains the earliest warning signs of compromise, the moments people often dismiss, and why the first few hours after a hack can shape everything that follows.
We’ve partnered with BankVic to help keep our community safe from scams and criminal activity while online! Stay up to date with the latest tips and information in one convenient place, empowering you to prevent online crime and outsmart scammers. Together, we can create a safer internet for everyone!
Read articles here.
Been scammed?
Step 1
If you have given any financial details or have already lost money, contact your bank immediately.
It’s also important to change your passwords, monitor your accounts closely, and consider placing a fraud alert on your credit file.
Step 2
Report the scam to police at cyber.gov.au or at your nearest police station.
Additionally, report the scam to Scamwatch and your local authorities to help prevent others from falling victim.
If you think you have been scammed online, IDCARE can help for free! Call 1800 595 160 or visit their website www.idcare.org
Step 3
Getting scammed online does not mean you are not smart. Cybercrime keeps changing, so anyone can be a target. Do not be embarrassed or hard on yourself! Learn about new scams and take steps to stay safe instead.
If you need support after falling victim to a scam talk to friends and family or contact:
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
Step 4
If you have given any financial details or have already lost money, contact your bank immediately.aFinally, talk about different types of emerging scams and if you have been scammed share your experience with family and friends so they can better recognise the signs of scams.
Smart Scam Guide
Download a comprehensive guide to spotting scams. Download to learn about the most common scams and what to do if you have fallen victim to one.
