Think you’ve been scammed? Take a breath.

1. Stop all contact

   • Hang up, stop replying and don’t send any more money — even if they threaten you or promise to “fix” it.
   • Don’t call any number they gave you.
   • Watch out for “recovery” scams: people who later offer to get your money back for a fee are scammers too.

2. Stop the money — how did you pay?

   Tap the one that fits. Call within minutes if you can.

   A bank card, debit card or bank transfer (including Zelle)

   1. Call your bank now using the number on the back of your card or on your bank statement — not a number from the message.
   2. Say: “I was scammed. Please stop or reverse the payment, block my card, and open a fraud claim.”
   3. Ask the bank to watch your account and send you a new card.
   4. Zelle payments are handled by your bank — call them, not Zelle.
   Gift cards (Apple, Google Play, Target, Walmart, Amazon, Visa and others)

   1. Call the company that sold the gift card right away — the number is on the back of the card. Sometimes they can freeze the money if you’re fast.
   2. Keep the cards and the receipt. Take photos of both.
   3. Find each company’s fraud number on the FTC’s list: consumer.ftc.gov — gift card scams.
   A wire transfer, Western Union or MoneyGram

   1. Call the money transfer company immediately using the number on your receipt or their official website. Ask them to stop the transfer and report fraud.
   2. If you sent a bank wire, call your bank and ask for a “wire recall.”
   3. Keep your receipt and the transfer (MTCN or reference) number.
   Cryptocurrency or a Bitcoin ATM

   1. Contact the crypto company or ATM operator right away — the number is on the ATM screen, the machine or your receipt.
   2. Write down the wallet address, amounts, dates and any messages.
   3. Report it to the FBI at ic3.gov.
   Cash — handed to a courier or mailed

   1. If you mailed it, call the shipping company (USPS, UPS or FedEx) with your tracking number and ask them to stop the package.
   2. If someone picked it up, call your local police — this is a crime, and they may be coming back for more.
   3. Never hand cash to anyone who says they’re from a bank, the government or a lawyer.
   Someone got into my computer or phone

   1. Turn off the internet (unplug it or switch off Wi‑Fi) and don’t log in to your bank on that device.
   2. From a different phone or computer, change your passwords — email and bank first.
   3. Have a trusted person or a local repair shop check the device and remove any programs the scammer installed.
   4. Call your bank to tell them someone may have seen your accounts.
   I gave out personal information (Social Security or Medicare number, passwords, codes)

   1. Change any password you shared, and turn on 2‑step sign-in.
   2. Freeze your credit (see Step 3 below) so no one can open accounts in your name.
   3. Report identity theft and get a recovery plan at IdentityTheft.gov.
   4. Shared your Medicare number? Call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).

3. Protect your identity

   Freezing your credit is free and stops anyone from opening new accounts in your name. Call or go online to all three:

   • Equifax 1-888-298-0045 · equifax.com
   • Experian 1-888-397-3742 · experian.com
   • TransUnion 1-888-909-8872 · transunion.com

   Then change your passwords (email and bank first) and keep an eye on your bank statements.

4. Report it and get support

   • National Elder Fraud Hotline (U.S. Department of Justice) — 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311)
     Free · Monday–Friday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Eastern · English, Spanish and other languages. A real person helps you report and recover.
   • AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline — 1-877-908-3360
     Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–8 p.m. Eastern · Trained volunteers who understand what you’re going through.
   • Federal Trade Commission (FTC) — ReportFraud.ftc.gov
     Report any scam. It helps stop scammers and warn others.
   • FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center — ic3.gov
     For online scams, crypto and money sent over the internet.
   • Your local police — call the non-emergency number. A police report helps with bank disputes. If you are in danger, call 911.

5. Tell someone you trust

   Call a family member or friend today. Scammers count on embarrassment to keep people quiet — talking about it protects you and the people you love.

   Write down what happened while you remember: dates, amounts, phone numbers, names, and how you paid. Keep receipts and screenshots.

AskFirst is not a law firm, bank or government agency. Phone numbers and hours were checked in October 2026 — if a number doesn’t work, use the official website shown.