Act fast and don’t be embarrassed — scams target everyone. The steps below are in order of urgency.
In the first hour
- Call your bank or card issuer using the number on your card. Ask them to stop or recall the payment and freeze the account if needed.
- If you paid by gift card, contact the card company immediately — sometimes funds can be frozen.
- If you gave remote access to your computer, disconnect it from the internet.
- Change passwords for email and banking, starting with email.
Report it
- Federal Trade Commission: ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
- Online and internet-enabled crime: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov.
- Identity theft: IdentityTheft.gov gives you a personal recovery plan.
- Your local police — a report number helps with banks and insurers.
Getting your money back
Card payments can often be disputed (chargeback). Bank transfers and wires are harder to recover, and the US has no mandatory reimbursement law for scams you authorised — but acting within hours greatly improves your chances. Crypto payments are rarely recoverable; beware of “recovery” services that ask for fees.
Protect yourself next
- Freeze your credit for free with Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.
- Turn on two-factor authentication everywhere.
- Expect follow-up scams: fake “recovery agents” or “investigators”.
Get support
The AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline offers free support to people of all ages.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Services and numbers can change — check the official website.