How to Get Money Back After the AU$1.9M Long-Term Bond Scam in Australia

In June 2025, Australian authorities uncovered a sophisticated “long-term bond” investment scam operated out of a Thai fraud call center in Samut Prakan. Over 14,000 Australians wired a total of AU$1.9 million via mobile-money and bank transfers—only to discover the bonds were entirely fake. If you’ve been searching “how to get money back after investment scam in Australia?” you’re not alone. This guide, written by an Australian expert in online marketing and funds recovery, lays out step-by-step actions to document evidence, report fraud, and reclaim your funds.

The Anatomy of the Long-Term Bond Investment Scam

Scammers cold-called potential victims, promising stable, above-market returns on “government-backed” bonds. They:

• Used local phone numbers and spoofed caller-ID to appear credible.
• Sent professionally designed bond certificates by email and WhatsApp.
• Urged quick payment via POLi, Osko, or mobile-money apps to secure a “discounted rate.”

Once payments were made, all communication ceased. Websites and email domains went offline within days, leaving victims with no clear recourse.

Why Victims Fall for High-Value Investment Scams

1. Trust in Authority
   Bonds are traditionally low-risk, government-issued instruments. Framing these as exclusive “long-term bond” deals makes the offer seem legitimate.
2. Urgency and Scarcity
   Scammers claim “limited allocation” or “closing window” pressuring victims to act before verifying details.
3. Professional Presentation
   Official-looking certificates, persuasive sales scripts, and even deep-fake voice messages lend false credibility.
4. Lack of Immediate Recourse
   Once funds leave your account especially via OSKO or POLi payments reversals become legally and technically complex.

How to Get Money Back After Investment Scam in Australia

Recovering funds is a multi-layered process. Follow these steps as soon as you suspect fraud:

1. Document Every Detail
   • Save Communications: Screenshot calls, WhatsApp chats, emails, and bond certificates.
   • Record Payments: Download bank statements, Osko logs, POLi payments receipts, and any transaction IDs.
   • Create a Timeline: Note dates, times, names, phone numbers, and URLs involved.
2. Report to Authorities
   • Australian Federal Police (AFP): Submit an e-crime report via the AFP website.
   • ACCC’s Scamwatch: File a report to add your case to national data and warn others.
   • State Consumer Agencies: Contact Fair Trading NSW, Consumer Affairs Victoria, or your relevant state body.
3. Contact Your Financial Institutions
   • Ask for Reversals: Banks and payment providers may reverse unauthorized or misrepresented transactions if reported promptly.
   • Flag Recipient Accounts: Request your bank or POLi payments operator to monitor the beneficiary account for suspicious activity.
4. Use Professional Funds Recovery Services

   If you’ve lost over AU$5,000, consider funds refund Australia specialists who work on a success-fee basis:

   • Evidence Collection: They organize your documentation into a legal-grade dossier.
   • Negotiation with Providers: Recovery teams engage banks, Osko networks, and regulators on your behalf.
   • Legal Action: Where needed, they coordinate with lawyers to issue formal legal letters or court proceedings.

How to Refund Lost Money from Trading in Australia

Many investment scams masquerade as trading platforms forex, CFDs, or managed crypto accounts. To seek refunds:

1. Chargeback on Credit/Debit Cards
   If you used a Visa or Mastercard, file a dispute citing “unauthorized or misrepresented services.”
2. ASIC and AFCA
   • ASIC: Report unlicensed investment operations to the Australian Securities and Investments Commission.
   • AFCA: Lodge a complaint with the Australian Financial Complaints Authority for broker-related disputes.
3. Small Claims Court
   For losses under AU$20,000, you can pursue a claim in your state’s small-claims division.

How to Recover Bitcoins in Australia

Cryptocurrency scams require specialized tracking:

• Public Ledger Analysis
  Use block explorers to trace your Bitcoin transactions. Note wallet addresses and transaction hashes.
• Engage Blockchain Forensics
  Firms like Chainalysis or Elliptic map crypto flows and may identify exchanges used by scammers.

I Lost Money with the Long-Term Bond Investment Scam – What Can I Do in Australia?

If you’ve been scammed by the “long-term bond” ring, take immediate action:

1. Add an explanation of your case at the end of the page via the feedback form or email.
2. Contact Your Bank and POLi Operator
   Ask for transaction reversals and beneficiary monitoring.
3. File Police and Scamwatch Reports
   Official filings create an audit trail and can trigger broader investigations.
4. Hire our Financial Investigation Experts
   We organize your materials, liaise with providers, and negotiate refunds operating on a no-win, no-fee model.

Preventing Future Scams in Australia

• Verify Licenses
  Legitimate bond issuers must be registered with ASIC or APRA. Always cross-check ABN and ACN numbers.
• Beware “Guaranteed Returns”
  No risk-free, high-yield bonds exist outside government auctions.
• Enable Two-Factor Authentication
  Secure banking and trading apps with app-based 2FA.
• Stay Educated
  Subscribe to our news channel for the crime reports and updates.

Why Funds Refund Australia Is Your Best Ally

At Funds Refund Australia, we specialize in recovering losses from high-value scams across Australia. Our process includes:

• Turning your screenshots, bank statements, and certificates into a legal-grade dossier.
• Running advanced blockchain and banking forensics for crypto and mobile-money scams.
• Negotiating directly with financial institutions, payment networks, and regulators.
• Operating on a success-fee basis for cases over AU$5,000.

If you’ve lost more than AU$5,000 to any investment or trading fraud, let Funds Refund’s experts guide you through each recovery step.