What to do after being scammed

Stop the flow of money first

The single most useful action in the first hour is to prevent further loss. Cancel pending transfers, freeze cards through your banking app, and remove any recurring authority you granted.

Do not send an additional payment because someone promises it will unlock a withdrawal. That pattern is the defining feature of both the original scheme and the recovery schemes that follow it.

Contact your bank or payment provider

• Use the number printed on your card or inside your official banking app
• State clearly that you are reporting suspected fraud and ask for the fraud team
• Ask whether a recall, chargeback or indemnity claim is possible in your case
• Write down the case reference, the time of the call and the name given to you

Secure the accounts around the money

Fraud rarely touches only one account. Recover and secure your primary email first, because it controls password resets everywhere else, then your mobile account, then financial services.

Preserve evidence before you delete anything

• Screenshot conversations, dashboards and profiles with dates visible
• Export chat histories and save original emails rather than forwarding them
• Keep a single dated log file of what happened and when you learned of it

Report through official channels

Reporting creates an official record, supports bank disputes, and contributes to wider investigations. Use the official reporting body for your country. FraudGuard does not replace law enforcement, regulators, banks or legal professionals.