What Should I Do If I Suspect a Business Is Scamming Me?

If you suspect that a business you’ve hired through Oneflare is scamming you, it’s important to act quickly and follow the proper steps to protect yourself. Oneflare takes scams and fraudulent behavior seriously, and we’re committed to ensuring that all users have a safe and positive experience. Here’s what you can do if you suspect a business is not acting in good faith:
 

1. Stop Any Further Communication or Payments

If you suspect a business is scamming you, the first step is to cease any further communication with the business and halt any further payments. Avoid paying for additional services or agreeing to more work unless you are certain of the business's legitimacy.

2. Review Your Contract or Agreement

If you have an agreement or contract with the business, review it carefully to understand the terms of the service or work. Make sure that the business is not asking for payments outside of what was agreed upon. Look for any discrepancies or unclear terms that could be a sign of fraudulent behavior.

3. Collect Evidence

Document all communication and transactions with the business. This includes:

• Emails or messages exchanged through Oneflare or directly with the business.
• Receipts or payment confirmations for any transactions.
• Screenshots or notes about any suspicious behavior or offers.

Having clear evidence will help you in case you need to report the issue to Oneflare or other authorities.

4. Contact Oneflare Support

If you suspect fraud, contact our support team immediately either by giving us a call on 1300 138 827 or at support@oneflare.com.au. Provide us with all relevant details, including:

• The business name and any contact information.
• A summary of the situation and why you suspect fraudulent behavior.
• Copies of communications, contracts, or transactions.

We will investigate the situation and take appropriate action. If the business is found to be violating our policies, they may be restricted or removed from the platform.

5. Report the Business to Relevant Authorities

If you believe you are the victim of a scam, it’s important to report it to the appropriate authorities. Depending on your location, this might include:

• State regulatory bodies: They can help resolve disputes and investigate fraud.
• Local law enforcement: If the scam involves significant financial loss or criminal activity.
• Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC): They can assist with reporting fraudulent activities.
• ScamWatch: A government service that provides advice and resources on how to protect yourself from scams and report suspicious behavior.

6. Leave a Review and Share Your Experience

If your experience with the business was negative or you feel others should be aware of any issues, consider leaving a review on their profile. Be honest about your experience, but make sure to stick to the facts and remain respectful.

Leaving a review helps other customers make informed decisions and contributes to keeping the platform safe and reliable.

7. Monitor Your Financial Accounts

If you made any payments to the business, especially if you suspect fraudulent activity, it’s a good idea to monitor your bank accounts or credit cards for any unauthorized transactions. In some cases, you may need to contact your bank or financial institution to report a suspicious transaction.

While most businesses on Oneflare are reputable and trustworthy, there may be occasional bad actors. If you suspect a business is scamming you, it's important to act quickly by halting payments, documenting your interactions, and reporting the issue. Our support team is here to help investigate any concerns and ensure your experience on the platform is safe.