If I've been scammed by a scrap buyer, what are my actual options for reporting or recourse?
Short answer: Document everything you have — the agreement, any communication, delivery evidence — and report it to NSW Police if it involves theft, fraud, or a deliberate scam, and to NSW Fair Trading or the ACCC if it involves misleading or deceptive conduct in trade; for smaller amounts, a small claims tribunal claim may also be a practical option depending on your specific loss.
Skip the phone calls. List your scrap once and let verified buyers on ScrapTrade come to you with real, protected offers.
List Free →What to gather first
Before reporting anywhere, pull together whatever documentation you have — text messages, the original agreed price, any photos of the transaction, and details of what actually happened versus what was promised. This is essential for any of the following steps.
Where to report, depending on the nature of it
Genuine theft or fraud (like non-payment after taking your material) is a matter for NSW Police. Misleading or deceptive conduct in a trade context can also be reported to NSW Fair Trading or the ACCC. For smaller financial disputes, a small claims tribunal may be a practical, lower-cost route to recovering losses.
Being realistic about outcomes
Recovery isn’t always guaranteed, particularly for smaller amounts or if the buyer can’t be easily located afterward — this is exactly why upfront verification before a sale is generally more effective than pursuing recourse after the fact.
How ScrapTrade Makes This Easier
Transactions through ScrapTrade have documented records and escrow protection built in from the start, which is designed to prevent exactly this kind of dispute rather than requiring recourse after the fact.
Ready to sell your scrap without the risk of a scam or lowball offer? ScrapTrade connects verified buyers and sellers with escrow-protected payments and transparent weighing.
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