Get Help After Being Scammed
Step-by-step guidance for recovering from scams and protecting yourself from further harm.
I've Been Scammed Recently
Take these immediate steps if you've just discovered a scam
Immediate Steps to TakeI Think It's a Scam
Evaluate suspicious contacts to determine if they're legitimate
Evaluate a Suspicious ContactSelect Your Region for Specific Guidance
We provide specialized guidance based on your location, as reporting procedures and resources vary by region.
Immediate Steps After Being Scammed
Take these actions as quickly as possible to minimize damage:
1. Stop Communication
Immediately stop all contact with the scammer. Don't try to negotiate or recover your money directly from them.
2. Secure Your Accounts
Change passwords immediately for any compromised accounts. Start with your email and banking accounts.
3. Contact Financial Institutions
Call your bank, credit card companies, or other financial services immediately to report the fraud and protect your accounts.
4. Document Everything
Save all communications, receipts, and transaction records. Take screenshots of websites, messages, or social media profiles.
5. Report the Scam
Report to appropriate authorities in your region (see specific guidance below for US and EU victims).
6. Seek Support
Contact victim support services and consider telling trusted friends or family members who can provide emotional support.
Recovery Guide for US Victims
Follow these steps if you've been scammed in the United States:
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If you sent money or shared financial information
Contact your financial institution immediately:
- Credit/Debit Cards: Call the number on the back of your card to report fraudulent charges and request a chargeback
- Bank Transfers: Contact your bank's fraud department to report unauthorized transfers and request a recall
- Wire Transfers: Call the wire transfer service (e.g., Western Union, MoneyGram) immediately to try to stop the transfer
- Payment Apps: Report unauthorized transactions to services like PayPal, Venmo, or Cash App through their fraud departments
- Gift Cards: Contact the gift card issuer to report the fraud
Protect your credit:
- Place a fraud alert on your credit reports by contacting one of the three major credit bureaus (they must inform the others):
- Equifax: 1-800-685-1111 or equifax.com
- Experian: 1-888-397-3742 or experian.com
- TransUnion: 1-800-916-8800 or transunion.com
- Consider a credit freeze for stronger protection
- Get free credit reports at annualcreditreport.com and review for suspicious activity
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If your identity was stolen or personal information was compromised
Take these additional steps:
- Visit IdentityTheft.gov to report identity theft and create a personal recovery plan
- File a police report with your local law enforcement agency
- Notify the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 if your Social Security number was compromised
- Report compromised Medicare information to 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)
- Check if your health insurance or medical records have been compromised
- Review your Social Security statement for earnings discrepancies at ssa.gov/myaccount
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Official US reporting agencies
Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
Report all types of scams and fraud.
- Report online: ReportFraud.ftc.gov
- Call: 1-877-382-4357
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
For tax-related scams.
- Report online: treasury.gov/tigta
- Call: 1-800-366-4484
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US legal and recovery options
Legal assistance:
- Contact your state's attorney general's office
- Seek help from Legal Aid in your area for free or low-cost legal services: Find Legal Aid
- Consider filing a small claims court case if the scammer is in the US and you can identify them
Recovery resources:
- Check if you qualify for compensation through the Crime Victims Fund in your state
- Contact AARP Fraud Watch Network: 1-877-908-3360
- For senior-specific assistance: Elder Care Locator at 1-800-677-1116 or eldercare.acl.gov
Beware of Recovery Scams
After being scammed, you may be targeted by "recovery services" claiming they can get your money back for an upfront fee. These are almost always secondary scams. Legitimate recovery assistance typically doesn't require payment upfront.
Recovery Guide for EU Victims
Follow these steps if you've been scammed in the European Union:
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If you sent money or shared financial information
Contact your financial service providers immediately:
- Bank Cards: Contact your bank's fraud department using the number on your card
- SEPA Transfers: Report unauthorized transfers to your bank immediately - EU regulations provide protections for unauthorized transfers
- Wire Transfers: Contact the transfer service (Western Union, MoneyGram, etc.) as quickly as possible
- Payment Services: Report to PayPal, Klarna, or other payment services through their fraud reporting channels
Know your rights under EU consumer protection laws:
- The Payment Services Directive (PSD2) offers protections for unauthorized transactions
- For credit card payments, you may have chargeback rights under the EU Consumer Rights Directive
- In many cases, your bank must refund unauthorized transactions if reported promptly
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If your identity was stolen or personal information was compromised
Under the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation):
- Report to your national data protection authority:
- Find your national authority at edpb.europa.eu
- Notify organizations that hold your personal data that it may have been compromised
- Consider requesting data access or erasure from companies where your data may be misused
Additional identity protection steps:
- Contact your country's credit reference agencies to place a fraud warning on your file
- Review your credit reports for unauthorized accounts or inquiries
- Consider freezing credit applications if this service is available in your country
- Report to your national ID card/passport authority if identity documents were compromised
- Report to your national data protection authority:
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Official EU reporting channels
National Police
Report to your local police or national cybercrime units.
- In many EU countries, online reporting systems are available
- Request a police report number for insurance claims
European Consumer Centre (ECC-Net)
For cross-border consumer disputes within the EU.
- Find your country's center: ECC-Net
Europol's Cybercrime Centre (EC3)
For serious cybercrime.
- Report through national law enforcement
- europol.europa.eu/report-a-crime
National Consumer Protection Authorities
For consumer fraud issues.
- Find your national authority: Consumer Bodies
Country-Specific Reporting (Major EU Countries)
Germany
- Internet Crime Unit: polizei.de
- Consumer Protection: verbraucherzentrale.de
France
- Cybercrime Reporting: internet-signalement.gouv.fr
- Consumer Protection: signal.conso.gouv.fr
Spain
- National Police Cybercrime: policia.es
- Consumer Agency: consumo.gob.es
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EU legal and recovery options
EU-specific legal remedies:
- Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR): Many EU countries offer consumer mediation services
- Online Dispute Resolution platform: ec.europa.eu/consumers/odr for online purchases within the EU
- European Small Claims Procedure: For cross-border claims under €5,000
- European Payment Order: For undisputed cross-border monetary claims
Recovery resources by country:
Germany
- Weisser Ring victim support: weisser-ring.de
- Free legal advice: Beratungshilfe
France
- France Victimes: france-victimes.fr
- Free legal advice: Points-justice
Beware of Recovery Scams
After being scammed, you may be targeted by "recovery services" claiming they can get your money back for an upfront fee. These are almost always secondary scams. Legitimate recovery assistance typically doesn't require payment upfront.
Guidance for Other Regions
If you're outside the US and EU, these resources may help:
International Reporting Options
- INTERPOL: Report through your national police
- econsumer.gov: International consumer complaints
- IC3: FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (accepts international reports)
- Local Law Enforcement: Report to your national or local police
Major Regions:
United Kingdom
- Action Fraud: actionfraud.police.uk
Canada
- Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre: antifraudcentre.ca
Australia
- Scamwatch: scamwatch.gov.au
India
- National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal: cybercrime.gov.in
General Recovery Steps
These steps apply regardless of your location:
- Contact your financial institutions immediately
- Secure all accounts with new passwords
- Document all communications with the scammer
- Report to local police and financial authorities
- Check if your country has victim compensation programs
- Look for local consumer protection organizations
- Seek legal advice based on your country's laws
Need Region-Specific Help?
Select your region from our dropdown menu at the bottom of this page to access resources specific to your location. If you need further assistance, please contact us and we'll try to connect you with appropriate local resources.
Evaluate a Suspicious Contact
Use these tools to determine if a message or call you've received is legitimate or a scam.
Contact Evaluation Tool
Answer these questions about the message or call you received:
Warning: This Is Likely a Scam
Based on the information you provided, this contact shows multiple warning signs of being a scam attempt.
Red Flags Identified:
Recommended Actions:
- Do not respond to the contact
- Do not click any links or open attachments
- Do not provide any personal information
- If you received a call, hang up immediately
- Report the contact to the appropriate authorities
How to Verify Legitimacy
If you're unsure about a contact, here are ways to verify before responding:
For Emails & Messages
- Check the sender's email address carefully (not just the display name)
- Hover over links without clicking to see where they really go
- Look for personalization - legitimate organizations use your name
- Be suspicious of generic greetings like "Dear Customer"
- Check for spelling and grammar errors
For Phone Calls
- Don't trust caller ID - it can be spoofed
- Never give information to someone who called you
- Hang up and call the organization directly using their official number
- Be skeptical of robotic or recorded voices
- Take your time - legitimate callers won't rush you
Always Remember
- Government agencies don't call about benefits or threats
- Banks never ask for full account numbers or passwords
- Tech companies don't call about computer problems
- No legitimate organization accepts gift cards as payment
- If in doubt, look up the official contact information and reach out directly
Helplines & Support Services
These resources provide personalized help and guidance for scam victims.
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National Helplines
Specialized Support Services
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EU-Wide Resources
Country-Specific Helplines
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Global Resources
Regional Hotlines
Resources for Caregivers & Family Members
How to support a loved one who has been scammed or help them avoid becoming a victim.
Signs Someone Might Be a Scam Victim
- Mentioning new "friends" or "business opportunities" they've found online
- Receiving many phone calls from unknown numbers
- Getting excessive mail, packages, or emails
- Being secretive about financial matters
- Sudden financial problems or unexplained withdrawals
- Expressing confusion about missing funds
- Showing fear or anxiety when the phone rings
- Making unusual purchases or money transfers
How to Help a Scam Victim
Emotional Support
- Approach the situation with empathy, not judgment
- Acknowledge feelings of embarrassment and shame
- Emphasize that scams can happen to anyone
- Focus on solutions rather than past mistakes
- Consider professional counseling if needed
Practical Assistance
- Help them document what happened
- Assist with contacting financial institutions
- Help file reports with appropriate authorities
- Support them in monitoring accounts
- Consider establishing financial safeguards
Preventative Measures for the Future
- Discuss warning signs of scams in a non-condescending way
- Help set up security features on devices (spam filters, call blockers)
- Consider a family password for emergency situations to prevent grandparent scams
- Establish a trusted contact on financial accounts
- Create a system for discussing unusual financial requests
- Consider legal protections like power of attorney if appropriate
Caregiver Resources & Guides
Conversation Guide
Tips for discussing scam prevention with older adults without being patronizing.
Download Guide (PDF)Financial Protection Toolkit
Resources for setting up financial safeguards for vulnerable adults.
Download Toolkit (PDF)Legal Options Guide
Information on legal protections including power of attorney and guardianship.
Download Guide (PDF)Financial Recovery Resources
Programs and services that may help recover losses or provide financial assistance after a scam.
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Potential Recovery Options
- Credit Card Chargebacks: Dispute fraudulent charges
- Bank Fraud Protections: Report unauthorized transactions
- Wire Transfer Recalls: Request immediate trace on transfers
- Gift Card Company Assistance: Some companies may help if cards were used in scams
- Payment App Protections: Services like PayPal may offer buyer protection
- Homeowners/Renters Insurance: Some policies cover certain types of fraud
- Tax Deductions: Some theft losses may be tax-deductible
- Civil Litigation: Legal action may be possible in some cases
U.S. Financial Assistance Programs
Government Programs
- Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Funding: May provide compensation for certain scam victims
- State Crime Victim Compensation: Financial assistance for crime victims
- Area Agency on Aging: May offer emergency financial assistance for seniors
- Social Services Emergency Assistance: Help with immediate financial needs
Non-Profit & Community Support
- AARP Foundation: Grants and assistance programs
- Faith-Based Organizations: Many offer emergency financial help
- Community Action Agencies: Local assistance programs
- National Council on Aging: Financial assistance resources
Financial Counseling Services
- National Foundation for Credit Counseling: Free or low-cost financial guidance
- Money Management International: Debt management and financial education
- Financial Empowerment Centers: Free financial counseling in many cities
- Senior Financial Protection Network: Specialized counseling for seniors
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EU Consumer Protections
- Payment Services Directive 2 (PSD2): Provides protections for unauthorized electronic payments
- EU Consumer Rights Directive: Offers refund rights for certain transactions
- SEPA Direct Debit Refund: Right to refund unauthorized direct debits
- Credit Card Chargeback: Bank card dispute processes available in most EU countries
- EU Cross-Border Dispute Resolution: Systems for recovering money from entities in other EU countries
Country-Specific Recovery Programs
Germany
- Girokonto-Sicherheit: Bank account security guarantees
- Verbraucherschlichtungsstellen: Consumer arbitration centers for dispute resolution
- Weisser Ring: Victim support including financial assistance
Spain
- OMIC: Municipal Consumer Information Offices
- Banco de España: Banking complaint system for unauthorized transactions
France
- Commission d'indemnisation des victimes d'infractions: Crime victim compensation
- Médiateur bancaire: Banking mediators for financial disputes
- France Victimes: Support network for crime victims
Italy
- Arbitro Bancario Finanziario: Banking and financial arbitration
- Fondo di garanzia per le vittime: Guarantee fund for certain fraud victims
EU-Wide Legal Remedies
- European Small Claims Procedure: Simplified procedure for cross-border claims up to €5000
- Alternative Dispute Resolution: Out-of-court settlement options
- Online Dispute Resolution Platform: EU platform for resolving consumer disputes
- European Order for Payment: Simplified procedure for undisputed monetary claims
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Universal Recovery Steps
- Act quickly: The sooner you report fraud, the better your chances of recovery
- Document everything: Keep records of all communications, transactions, and reports
- Report to payment providers: Contact banks, credit card companies, and payment services immediately
- File official reports: Report to police and relevant government agencies
- Explore all options: Check with multiple authorities and services for recovery assistance
- Secure remaining assets: Change passwords, close compromised accounts, set up monitoring
- Consider legal action: Consult with legal professionals about potential civil remedies
Financial Recovery Tips
- International Wire Transfers: Contact the sending bank immediately—there may be a brief window to recall funds
- Credit Card Purchases: Dispute unauthorized charges and request a chargeback
- Bank Transfers: Report unauthorized transfers to your bank's fraud department
- Gift Cards: Contact the retailer and gift card company to report fraud
- Payment Apps: Many have dispute processes for unauthorized transactions
- Money Orders/Checks: Contact the issuing institution to attempt to stop payment
Important Warning
Be aware that cryptocurrency transactions are generally irreversible. If you've sent cryptocurrency to a scammer, recovery is extremely difficult.
Beware of Recovery Scams
After being scammed, you may be targeted by "recovery services" claiming they can get your money back for an upfront fee. These are almost always secondary scams. Legitimate recovery assistance typically doesn't require payment upfront.
Report a Scam to Help Others
Your experience can help protect someone else from falling victim to the same scam.