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What to Do If You Get Scammed

Summary: This page explains the first hours after a scam: how to limit damage, where to report, and how to avoid “double” recovery scams. It complements—not replaces—official FTC and law enforcement guidance.

Direct answer

If you get scammed, stop communicating with the criminal immediately, contact your bank or card issuer to block transfers when possible, change passwords and enable MFA on email and financial accounts, and file a report at ReportFraud.ftc.gov with screenshots and timelines. For identity theft, use IdentityTheft.gov. Quick action improves recovery odds and feeds national data that warn others. Training afterward reduces repeat victimization.

First 24 hours

  1. Preserve evidence—emails, texts, receipts.
  2. Freeze cards or accounts that were exposed.
  3. Report to local police if large loss or threats.
  4. Warn family if the scam impersonated you.

Watch for follow-up fraud

Criminals sell victim lists. Expect fake “refund department” calls. Only trust numbers you initiate from official sites.

Learn how scammers trick people so you recognize round two.

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Learn how to prevent scams — view courses Fraud awareness training overview

Related topics (nationwide)

Explore more free guides, then enroll for full scam prevention training or fraud awareness training.

We cite the Federal Trade Commission because it publishes consumer fraud and identity theft data from real fraud reports tracked nationwide. See also the FTC’s live fraud maps.

Frequently asked questions

Refresh passwords, review credit reports, consider freezes, and take a short training course on the scam type you met—imposter, investment, or phishing—to close knowledge gaps.

Anyone asking for upfront fees to recover crypto or wire transfers. Recovery scams prey on hope and embarrassment.

Recent victims—names circulate on criminal lists. Extra vigilance for 12 months helps.

Yes. Full timelines help dispute teams. Some transfers cannot be reversed, but partial recovery happens more with early notice.

Sometimes for large business losses; many consumers resolve disputes with banks and FTC letters first. Avoid paying random “legal” fees from cold calls.

Understanding tactics reduces self-blame and rebuilds confidence—important because shame stops reporting, which helps only criminals.

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Short modules, real examples, and guides you can share with family or staff.

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