If you've been scammed

It happens to careful people every day. Acting quickly gives you the best chance of getting money back.

First, stop the money

  • You paid with a credit card, debit card, or bank transfer

    Call your bank or card company now, using the number on your card or statement. Ask them to stop or reverse the payment.

  • You paid with a gift card

    Contact the company that issued the card (the number is on the back or on its website). Tell them it was used in a scam, and keep the card and receipt.

  • You sent a wire transfer or used a payment app (Zelle, Venmo, Cash App, PayPal)

    Contact the wire service or app right away and ask them to reverse the transfer. Also call your bank.

  • You paid with cryptocurrency

    Contact the exchange or company you used to send it and ask them to stop the transaction.

  • You let someone into your computer or phone

    Disconnect it from the internet, update its security software and run a scan, and change your passwords from a different device.

  • You shared your Social Security number, bank login, or other personal details

    Go to IdentityTheft.gov for a step-by-step recovery plan, and change any passwords you shared.

Then, report it

  • Local police: call your local police non-emergency line. A police report can help with your bank or insurance.
  • Federal Trade Commission: ReportFraud.ftc.gov
  • FBI, for scams that happened online: ic3.gov
  • Better Business Bureau Scam Tracker: bbb.org/scamtracker
  • Your neighbors: report it here so others nearby can watch for it.

Talking to someone you trust can help too. Scammers count on people feeling rushed or embarrassed.