Acting fast matters. Here's exactly what to do if you've been scammed — organized by scam type, with specific next steps and who to contact.
If you've realized you've been scammed, the first thing to know is: you are not alone, and speed matters. The steps you take in the next few hours and days can limit your financial loss, prevent identity theft, and help law enforcement.
Find your scam type and follow the immediate steps.
You bought cards and sent the codes to a scammer.
You sent money via wire, ACH, or app transfer.
Your personal information was stolen or compromised.
Scammer hacked your email, social media, or bank account.
You sent money to someone you met online.
You paid for items that never arrived.
Someone called pretending to be your bank or tech support.
You were tricked into buying gift cards and sending the codes to a scammer. Time is critical — scammers redeem codes within minutes.
The first 30 minutes matter most.
You sent money via wire transfer, ACH transfer, or mobile payment app. Wire transfers are extremely difficult to reverse, so immediate contact is critical.
Call the number on your card or statement.
Your Social Security number or personal information was stolen. A credit freeze is your best protection.
This is free and stops anyone from opening credit in your name.
Block them on all platforms. Do not respond to threats or promises. Cut off communication completely.
Screenshot conversations, save emails, keep receipts. You'll need evidence for reports and disputes.
File reports with FTC, IC3, and relevant agencies. Your report helps stop the next victim.
Change passwords, enable 2FA, review account activity. Assume any shared information is compromised.
