Think you've been scammed? Start here.
Take a breath. You are not alone, and it is not your fault. Acting quickly can help. These steps are free and you don't need an account.
Do these first
- If anyone is in immediate danger, call 911.
- Stop all contact. Hang up, don't reply, and don't send anything else — even if they promise to return your money or make threats.
- Call your bank or card company's fraud line. Use the number on the back of your card, on your statement, or in your bank's official app. Ask them to stop, reverse or dispute the payment.
- If someone connected to your computer or phone, turn off its Wi-Fi or unplug its internet cable, and use a different device to change your email and banking passwords.
- Tell someone you trust. They can help you make calls and take notes.
If you paid in one of these ways
Gift cards
Call the company that issued the card, using the number on the back of the card or its official website. Tell them it was used in a scam. Keep the cards and receipts.
Bank transfer, wire transfer or a payment app
Call your bank right away and ask them to try to stop or reverse the transfer. Report the payment inside the payment app itself (opened from the app, not from a link).
Cryptocurrency or a Bitcoin ATM
Contact the cryptocurrency company or ATM operator using details from your receipt or the machine. Then report it to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (below).
Cash (handed over, picked up or mailed)
If you mailed or shipped cash, call the shipping company using the number on its official website with your tracking number. If someone came to your home, call your local police.
Credit or debit card
Call the number on the back of your card. Ask to dispute the charge and get a new card number.
I shared my Social Security number
Consider freezing your credit with Equifax, Experian and TransUnion (it's free), and visit IdentityTheft.gov for a recovery plan.
Report it and get support
For additional verification, use the number on the back of your card, your statement, or your bank's official app. Do not email passwords, verification codes, or full account or card numbers.
FTC ReportFraud
Report a scam, fraud, or bad business practice online
Use this after any scam attempt or loss so the FTC can share your report with law enforcement.
FTC Consumer Response Center (phone)
Call if you cannot report online or have a question about reporting a scam.
National Elder Fraud Hotline
National Elder Fraud Hotline (age 60+)
ovc.ojp.gov/program/stop-elder-fraud/providing-help-restoring-hope
Call if you or someone you know age 60 or older was the victim of a scam; a case manager helps you report it. Hours: Monday–Friday, 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. eastern time.
IdentityTheft.gov
Report identity theft and get a recovery plan
Use this if someone used your name, Social Security number, or accounts without permission.
Credit bureau contacts listed by IdentityTheft.gov (fraud alerts and freezes)
www.identitytheft.gov/CreditBureauContacts
Use this page to find the three credit bureaus to place a free fraud alert or credit freeze.
FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)
File an internet/cyber-enabled crime complaint with the FBI
Use this if you lost money or information through an online, email, crypto, or tech-support scam.
AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline
AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline
www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/helpline/
Call free if you're not sure something is a scam or you or a loved one was scammed; trained specialists help with next steps. Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m-8 p.m. ET.
Eldercare Locator
Find local help, including Adult Protective Services
Call or text to find your local Adult Protective Services or other services for an older adult.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call, text, or chat 988
If a scam has left you or someone you love feeling hopeless, overwhelmed, or in crisis, call or text 988 any time. Hours: 24/7/365.
988 Lifeline online chat
Chat online with a counselor if you prefer typing. Hours: 24/7/365.
Keep evidence
- Write down the date, time, names and numbers they used, and what you did.
- Don't delete texts, emails, voicemails or call logs. Take screenshots if you can.
- Keep receipts, gift cards, transfer receipts and tracking numbers.
- Write down every report number you're given.
Watch out for “recovery” offers. Scammers often contact victims again pretending they can get money back for a fee. Real agencies don't charge to help you.
Course students can build a personalized response plan with contacts for their own banks. Learn about the course.
This page is general guidance, not legal or financial advice. It doesn't guarantee that money can be recovered and it is not an emergency service. Senior Safeguard Services does not monitor accounts.