Skip to content

RECOVERY

You’ve been scammed. Here’s how to move forward.

It happened. That doesn’t define you — it defines the person who targeted you. Here’s what to do now, one step at a time.

In an active crisis?

  • Call your bank
  • Call the platform (Amazon, PayPal, MobilePay, etc.)
  • Call local police
01

First — it’s not your fault

Important: Feeling embarrassed is a very normal response to this situation. Feeling angry at the scammer is also a very natural reaction. Neither of these feelings should stop you from taking the next steps.

Scams are designed by people who do this professionally. They study psychology to find ways to bypass your natural defenses. They test their scripts on thousands of people every day to see what works. You were targeted by a trained expert who used a proven system to deceive you.

Smart, careful people get scammed every single day. This happens to teachers, doctors, engineers, and executives. Scammers do not discriminate based on your age, your job, or your intelligence. They look for a moment of distraction or a specific emotional need.

Taking action is the best way for you to regain your sense of control.

02

Secure your accounts

Do this now: Change passwords on any account the scammer accessed or could access. Start with your primary email account and your banking apps.

Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your email, bank, and social media accounts. This adds a second layer of security. Even if a scammer has your password, they cannot enter without the second code.

Do this now: Place a fraud alert with the credit bureaus if you shared sensitive IDs. In the US, contact Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.

Contact the issuing authority if you shared your passport or driver’s license. They can flag your document as lost or stolen in their system.

Important: Monitor your bank statements for unfamiliar transactions for the next 3 to 6 months. Scammers often test accounts with small amounts before making a large purchase.

You’re safer once you’ve done this: Once your passwords are changed and 2FA is active, your accounts are significantly more secure against further access by the scammer.

03

Report the scam

Reports help authorities track patterns and warn others about new tactics. Your information could be the piece of evidence they need to stop a scammer.

Also report the scam to your bank or payment provider immediately. Report the incident to the platform where the scam first happened. This includes sites like Facebook, Amazon, or WhatsApp.

What to include in your report:

  • Dates and times of all contact.
  • Scammer’s phone number, email, website, or social media username.
  • Exactly what they asked you to do.
  • What actions you took and what information you shared.
  • How much money or personal data was involved.
  • Screenshots or digital records of every message and receipt.
04

Can I get my money back?

It depends on how you paid. Success often depends on how quickly you act.

Do this now — Bank transfer or debit card: Call your bank immediately. The sooner you call, the better your chances. Some banks can reverse these transfers if you catch them within a few hours.

Credit card: File a chargeback with your credit card company. Credit cards offer much stronger protection than debit cards for fraud.

Wire transfer: Call the wire service like Western Union or MoneyGram. If the money has not been picked up yet, they can stop it.

Important: Be wary of anyone claiming they can recover crypto for a fee. These are often secondary scams targeting people who were already scammed.

Gift cards: Call the issuing company right away. Recovery is rare once the card is redeemed, but always report it.

Cash: Recovery is not possible. Report the loss to police for documentation purposes.

Many scam losses are not recoverable. But reporting helps the community, and acting fast on bank transactions can make a difference.

05

Protect yourself going forward

Be skeptical of any unsolicited contact. Verify independently by hanging up and calling a real, known phone number. Never use the number provided by the person who called you.

Use unique passwords and a password manager. Enable 2FA on all important accounts, especially email and banking.

Talk about what happened with a friend or family member. Sharing your story takes the power away from the scammer.

06

Emotional support

Important: Being scammed is a violation of trust and a difficult experience. Feeling angry, ashamed, anxious, or depressed is a normal reaction. You are not alone, and you do not need to handle it alone.

  • US: AARP Fraud Helpline — 877-908-3360. Free for everyone.
  • UK: Victim Support — 0808 168 9111 for confidential help.
  • Samaritans (UK/Ireland): 116 123 — available 24 hours a day.
  • In a crisis: Contact your local emergency services immediately.

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

Want to understand what happened to you? Learn about common scam types →

07

Your specific situation

Choose the situation that matches yours for step-by-step guidance tailored to exactly what happened.