Recover from a scam

In the first hour

1. Stop all contact. Don’t send more money, even if they threaten you or promise to fix things.
2. Call the company you paid through, using the number on your card, receipt or the official website: your bank, the gift card company, the wire service or the crypto ATM operator. Ask them to stop or reverse the payment and to open a fraud claim. See how, by payment type →
3. Change passwords you shared, starting with email and banking, and turn on 2-step sign-in.
4. Tell someone you trust. You don’t have to handle this alone.

In the first day

1. Put it in writing to your bank. Send a short letter or secure message (template below) and keep a copy. Report as soon as you can: waiting can reduce what you get back.
2. Freeze your credit if you shared your Social Security number, ID or bank details. In the US it’s free at all three bureaus: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.
3. Write everything down: dates, amounts, phone numbers, websites, names they used and receipts. Take screenshots before messages disappear.

Report it (United States, any state)

• Federal Trade Commission: ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Shared personal information? IdentityTheft.gov builds you a recovery plan.
• FBI: ic3.gov, especially for online, crypto or larger losses.
• Age 60 or older? National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-372-8311. A real person helps you report and recover.
• Your state: every state has a consumer protection office, usually under the state Attorney General. Find yours at USA.gov — state consumer protection offices.
• Your local police: file a report, and ask for a copy or a report number. Banks often ask for it.

Outside the United States

Letter to your bank (copy and fill in)

Date: ____________
To: [Bank name] Fraud Department
Account: [last 4 digits only]

I am reporting unauthorized or fraudulent transactions on my account. I was the victim of a scam.

Transactions:
- [date], [amount], [to whom / how]
- [date], [amount], [to whom / how]

I first noticed this on [date] and called you on [date] (reference number: ______).
Please investigate, reverse these transactions, and confirm in writing what you will do and by when.

I have reported this to: [police report number / FTC / IC3].

Name: ____________   Phone: ____________   Signature: ____________

Watch out for “recovery” scams

After a scam, people often get calls offering to get the money back for a fee, sometimes claiming to be a lawyer, the government or the FBI. They’re scammers too. Real agencies never charge you to recover money.

Look after yourself

Feeling ashamed or angry is normal, and it’s not your fault. Talking helps: tell family, and for people 60+ the Elder Fraud Hotline (1-833-372-8311) can connect you with local support.