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Got scammed? Here’s what to do now.

It happens to smart, careful people. Acting fast makes the biggest difference. Pick what happened below. The same steps work if you’re helping someone else.

First, always: Stop replying. Block the number or account. You don’t owe them an answer.

What happened?

Pick all that apply. Your steps appear below, most urgent first.

I paid or sent money
I shared something

Do this now

  1. Stop replying. Block the number or account. You don’t owe them an answer.
  2. Sent money by bank transfer or a bank payment app: Call your bank now, using the number on your card or statement. Say it was a scam and ask them to stop or reverse the payment.
  3. Sent a wire transfer: Call the wire company right away, using the number on your receipt or its official website. Say a scammer tricked you and ask them to reverse it. Sent it from your bank? Call your bank.
  4. Mailed or handed over cash: Mailed cash? Call the U.S. Postal Inspection Service at 1-877-876-2455 and ask them to stop the package. Used another delivery company? Call it now. Handed it over in person? Call your local police.
  5. Paid with a payment app: Report the payment inside the real app right away and ask them to reverse it. If a bank or card is linked, call them too.
  6. Paid by credit or debit card: Call the number on the back of your card. Say it was a scam and ask them to dispute the charge. Card disputes have time limits, so do it today.
  7. Paid with gift cards: Call the gift card company on the number on the back of the card. Say it was used in a scam and ask for a refund. Keep the card and the receipt.
  8. Sent crypto or used a crypto ATM: Contact the exchange or crypto ATM company right away and ask them to reverse it. Crypto is hard to get back, so act fast and save the transaction ID.
  9. Connected a crypto wallet or typed its recovery phrase: Move what’s left to a brand-new wallet right away, then revoke any approvals you gave in your wallet’s settings. Never use the old recovery phrase again.
  10. Let someone into my computer or phone: Turn off the device’s internet. From another device, change your passwords and call your bank if you bank on it. Have a trusted person or store check the device before you use it again.
  11. Gave a password or a one-time code: Change that password now, and anywhere you reused it. Turn on two-step sign-in. Gave someone a code? Change the password of the account it was for.
  12. Gave my Social Security number or ID: Go to IdentityTheft.gov for a free recovery plan. Freeze your credit for free at all three credit bureaus. IdentityTheft.gov shows you how.
  13. Someone threatens to share private photos: You’re not in trouble. Don’t pay and don’t send anything more. Save the messages, block the account, and tell someone you trust. Under 18? Free help at TakeItDown (takeitdown.ncmec.org).
  14. Save everything: screenshots, messages, receipts, phone numbers, web addresses and the dates.

Report it, free

Watch for a second scam. Anyone who contacts you offering to get your money back for a fee is a scammer, even if they say they’re the FTC, the FBI or a law firm. Real agencies never charge to help. How to spot a recovery scam.

In the days after

Your report notes

Write down what happened, then copy it into your report or read it to your bank. Your notes stay in your browser. Nothing is saved or sent.






In the Natarta app
Tap “Got scammed? Get help now” to get these steps for exactly what happened, in order, and to write report notes you can copy. Your notes stay on this phone. Nothing is saved or sent.



Questions


Can I get my money back after a scam?
Sometimes, especially if you act fast. Card disputes and bank reversals work best within days. Gift cards, wire transfers and crypto are harder. Contact the company you paid through right away.


Who do I report a scam to?
The FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov for any scam. The FBI at ic3.gov for online, crypto or wire scams. IdentityTheft.gov if your ID was used. Your local police too.


Someone says they can recover my lost money for a fee. Is that real?
No. Anyone who contacts you offering to get your money back for a fee is a scammer, even if they say they’re the FTC, the FBI or a law firm. Real agencies never charge to help.



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Based on public advice from the FTC, FBI, CFPB and IdentityTheft.gov, in our own words. Natarta isn’t legal or financial advice, and it can’t promise your money comes back.