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ACTIVE CRISIS

You’re dealing with a scam right now. Here’s what to do.

If you’re in the middle of something that feels wrong, these steps come first. We’ll keep them short and clear.

In an active crisis?

  • Call your bank
  • Call the platform (Amazon, PayPal, MobilePay, etc.)
  • Call local police

Step 1 — Stop all contact

Do this now: Stop responding to the scammer immediately. This includes all calls, texts, emails, and social media messages.

Important: They will use high pressure to keep you on the line.

Hang up if you are on a call right now. Do not offer an explanation or say goodbye. You can call the real organization on a verified number later.

Do this now: Do not click any more links the scammer sent. These links can install software that steals your data. Close all browser tabs the scammer asked you to open.

Important: Do not call any phone number the scammer provided to you. These numbers go directly to the scammer’s team. Only use official numbers found on the back of your bank card.

Block the scammer on your phone and social media apps. This prevents them from sending more threats or confusing instructions. Disconnecting is the fastest way to regain your focus.

Step 2 — Secure your money

Do this now: Call your bank now if you sent a bank or wire transfer. Give them these exact words: “I think I’ve been scammed. I need to secure my account.” Ask the bank to freeze your accounts and stop any pending transfers.

Call the gift card company if you gave a card number to the scammer. Contact the support lines for Apple, Google, or Amazon immediately. Tell them the card was stolen and ask them to void the balance.

Open the app and report the transaction as fraud if you paid via Zelle or Venmo. Do the same for Cash App or PayPal payments. Look for the “Report a Problem” button in your payment history.

Important: No real company or government agency asks for gift cards or wire transfers. They do not request payments in cryptocurrency like Bitcoin. Ignore requests for “clearance fees” or “taxes” to release a prize.

Step 3 — Secure your accounts

Do this now: Change your password now if you gave the scammer a login. Do this from a different device if you think your computer is compromised.

Change your password immediately if you gave out a verification code. Scammers use these codes to take over your private accounts. Check your account settings for any new email addresses or phone numbers added.

Important: Disconnect from the internet if you gave the scammer remote access. Turn off your Wi-Fi or unplug your internet cable. Restart your device to stop any remote-sharing software from running.

Change all passwords from a clean device while your computer is offline. Consider asking a professional technician to check your device for hidden software. They can ensure the scammer no longer has a way into your files.

See our identity theft guidance if you shared your Social Security number or ID. You may need to freeze your credit to prevent new accounts.

Step 4 — Document everything

Screenshot all messages, emails, call logs, and digital receipts. Save these images in a folder on your device. These pictures are your evidence for the police and your bank.

Write down the scammer’s details including their phone number and email. Include the website address or username they used to contact you. Note the specific name or agency they claimed to represent.

Record exactly what they asked you to do and what you did. This timeline helps authorities understand how the scam happened. Save all this information in a safe place for your reports.

Step 5 — Report it

Report the incident to the authorities in your country:

Report the scam to the platform where it happened. Contact Amazon, PayPal, or your bank directly. Alert the social media platform if the scammer used a fake profile.

What happens next

If you have done steps 1 through 5, you have taken the most important actions. You have protected your accounts and alerted the proper authorities.

We will be honest: some money may not be recoverable. However, acting quickly improves your chances, especially with bank transactions.

You are not alone in this situation. Scams are designed to be very convincing and high-pressure. People who were scammed are often targeted because they are helpful or kind. Falling for a scam is not a character flaw.

This page was last reviewed: April 21, 2026.
Drafted with AI assistance, reviewed line-by-line by the editor before publication.

If you’ve taken these steps and want to understand what happened: learn about common scam types →

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