PhishFoe

Think you've been scammed?

It happens to careful, smart people every day — it is not your fault. Acting quickly can limit the damage. Work through these steps in order. You don't have to do everything at once.

  1. 1. Stop all contact

    Stop replying, hang up, and don't send any more money — even if they promise to give back what you've lost, or threaten you if you don't pay.

    If they have remote access to your computer, turn it off or disconnect it from the internet until someone you trust can check it.

  2. 2. Call your bank or card company

    Use the phone number on the back of your card or on your statement — never a number the scammer gave you. Tell them it's fraud and ask them to stop or reverse the payment.

    Paid with a gift card? Call the company that issued the card right away (the number is on the back) and keep the card and your receipt. Sent a wire transfer or used a payment app? Ask your bank or the app to recall the payment. Paid with cryptocurrency? Contact the exchange or the crypto ATM company.

  3. 3. Secure your accounts

    Change the password on any account you shared details for — start with your email and your bank. Use a new password you have never used before.

    If you shared a one-time security code, change that account’s password now. Turn on two-step verification wherever it is offered.

  4. 4. Protect your identity

    If you shared your Social Security number, ID, or bank details, get a free personal recovery plan from the Federal Trade Commission.

    Freezing your credit is free and stops anyone from opening new accounts in your name. Do it at all three credit bureaus.

  5. 5. Report it

    Reporting helps stop scammers and can support your claim with your bank. If you lost money, a report to your local police can help too.

    • ReportFraud.ftc.gov Federal Trade Commission
    • ic3.gov FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center — for scams online, by email, or by text

  6. 6. Talk to someone

    You don’t have to sort this out alone. These free helplines can walk you through what to do next. Talking it over with someone you trust helps, too.

  7. 7. Watch out for a second scam

    People who have just been scammed are often contacted by fake “recovery” services that promise to get your money back — for a fee. Real government agencies and law enforcement never charge you to recover money.

Want to talk to us? Send a message — but for anything urgent, call your bank or one of the helplines above first.