Calling your bank within the first hour dramatically increases the chance of reversing a fraudulent transfer.
Texts, emails, screenshots, transaction IDs, phone numbers — keep them all. Build a timeline with dates.
After you've been scammed, fraudsters may pose as "hackers" who can get your money back. They can't.
Five clear actions to take the moment you realize you've been scammed. Each one buys you time and limits how much you can lose.
Stop all contact immediately. Do not text, call back, or ask the scammer to return your money. Never click any link they send, and never trust anyone who promises you can recover your funds by paying an extra fee.
Contact the company that handled your payment right away. The path is different for cards, bank transfers, wire transfers, gift cards, payment apps, crypto, and checks — act within minutes, not days.
Change your email password first — that inbox controls password resets for everything else. Then lock down banking, credit cards, payment apps, and brokerage accounts, and turn on two-factor authentication everywhere you can.
If you shared sensitive personal information, head to IdentityTheft.gov. Consider placing fraud alerts, freezing your credit, and reviewing your reports. Watch your accounts for small test charges and request a new account number if your routing details leaked.
Report the fraud to ReportFraud.ftc.gov. If the internet, fake websites, or cryptocurrency were involved, file with the FBI at IC3.gov. If a financial company is dragging its feet, complain to the CFPB. Local police can also help with documentation.
After the first scam, "recovery scammers" often target the same victim — pretending to be hackers, lawyers, or government agents who can get the money back. Real agencies never do any of the things below.
See real examples in the video