You've Been Scammed. Here's What to Do Right Now.
Take a breath. This happens to smart, careful people every single day. You are not alone, and you are going to be okay. Follow these steps in order.
Before you do anything — take one deep breath.
Panic leads to mistakes. The steps below are clear and simple. Work through them one at a time. You have more control over this situation than it feels like right now.
Your Action Plan
Follow these steps in order. Start with Step 1 right now.
Do this first, right now
✓ Do not respond to any more messages, calls, or emails from them
✓ Do not send any more money, even if they threaten you or claim they can fix the situation
✓ Take screenshots of all messages, emails, and call logs before you block them — you will need these for your report
✓ Block their phone number, email address, and any social media accounts
Start with email, then banking, then everything else
✓ Change your email password first — it's the master key to your other accounts
✓ Change passwords on any account where you shared information
✓ Enable two-factor authentication on your email and banking accounts
✓ If you shared your bank information, call your bank's fraud department immediately — use the number on the back of your card, not a number from the internet
✓ If someone had remote access to your computer, uninstall any software they asked you to install (AnyDesk, TeamViewer, etc.) and run a virus scan
If you gave your Social Security number, date of birth, or full name
✓ Freeze your credit at all three bureaus — it's free and takes about 10 minutes each
✓ Equifax: equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services
✓ Experian: experian.com/freeze
✓ TransUnion: transunion.com/credit-freeze
✓ A credit freeze prevents anyone from opening new accounts in your name
Within 24 to 48 hours — your report helps protect others
✓ FTC: reportfraud.ftc.gov — tracks scam patterns and builds cases
✓ FBI IC3: ic3.gov — investigates internet-based crimes
✓Identity Theft: identitytheft.gov — personalized recovery plan
✓ File a local police report — you may need the case number for your bank or insurance company
✓ Report the scammer's account on the platform where you were contacted (Facebook, Instagram, email provider, etc.)
Act within the first 30 minutes if money was sent
Wire transfers, gift cards, and payment apps can sometimes be stopped or reversed if you act immediately. Call your bank or the payment service right now.
What Happened to You? Find Your Situation.
Here's what to do based on how the scam happened.
→ Call your bank immediately and report fraud
→ Request new account numbers and debit/credit cards
→ Set up account alerts for any future transactions
→ Monitor your statements daily for the next 30 days
→ Wire transfer: Contact your bank immediately to attempt a recall
→ Gift cards: Call the gift card company with your card numbers (number on the back) — they may freeze the funds
→ Venmo/Zelle/Cash App: Contact the app's fraud team AND your bank
→ File reports with FTC and FBI IC3 regardless
→ Change that password immediately on a different device
→ Change it everywhere you used the same password
→ Run a full antivirus scan on your device
→ Enable two-factor authentication on the compromised accoun
→ Disconnect from the internet immediately
→ Uninstall any software they asked you to install (AnyDesk, TeamViewer, etc.)
→ Run a full antivirus scan
→ Change ALL passwords from a different device
→ If you did online banking during the session, call your bank immediately
→ Go to identitytheft.gov for a personalized recovery plan
→ Freeze your credit at all three bureaus immediately
→ File a police report — keep the case number
→ Contact your bank and credit card companies
→ Check your credit report for any unfamiliar accounts
→ This is not your fault. These scammers are professional manipulators.
→ Cut all contact immediately, do not be persuaded to continue
→ Report to FTC and FBI IC3
→ Talk to someone you trust, this is emotionally heavy and you don't have to carry it alone
→ If you shared financial information, follow the banking steps above
Where to Report It
Every report helps protect the next person. Please take the time to file at least one.
FTC Report Fraud
The Federal Trade Commission tracks scam patterns and builds cases against scammers.
Identity Theft Recovery
Get a personalized step-by-step recovery plan for identity theft victims.
One More Thing — From Us to You
Getting scammed doesn't mean you're careless, gullible, or foolish. Scammers are professional manipulators who do this for a living. They study human psychology and exploit trust and emotion on purpose.
The fact that you're taking action right now, following these steps, is exactly the right thing to do. You've got this. And the steps you take today also help protect the people you love.
You're already ahead of most people. Keep going.
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