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Follow these steps in order — every one matters. Take action today.
Change passwords on your email, bank, and any accounts the scammer may have accessed. Enable two-factor authentication everywhere. Do this before anything else — it stops further damage.
→ Full account security checklist belowReport unauthorized transactions within 48 hours for the best chance of a chargeback or dispute reversal. Ask to freeze the affected account and issue a new account number.
→ What to say to your bankContact all three bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. A credit freeze is free and the strongest protection against new accounts being opened in your name.
→ Jump to bureau links belowReport to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center at IC3.gov. These reports are required for any legal action and help authorities track scammer networks.
→ All reporting agencies listed belowScreenshot every conversation, transaction record, phone number, email address, and website involved. Store copies in two locations — essential for bank disputes, law enforcement, and any civil action.
→ Evidence checklistScammers share victim lists — being scammed once puts you at higher risk of being targeted again. ScamSave members receive daily alerts from the FTC, FBI, SSA, and AARP so you recognize the next attempt before it happens.
→ Join ScamSave and stay ahead →Scam victims are retargeted at higher rates. ScamSave members get daily expert alerts, 100+ guides, AI scam triage, and discounted security tools — built by the same CISSP experts who created this guide.
Your email is the master key to every other account. If a scammer has access to your email they can reset your bank, PayPal, and phone accounts. Change your email password first, then enable two-factor authentication (2FA) — use an authenticator app like Google Authenticator rather than SMS when possible.
The faster you act, the higher the chance of recovery. Call the number on the back of your card or on your bank's official website. Say: "I need to report fraudulent transactions and request a chargeback dispute." Ask them to flag your account and issue a new number. For wire transfers, ask for a SWIFT recall immediately.
A credit freeze prevents anyone — including scammers — from opening new credit accounts in your name. It does not affect your existing credit cards or accounts. You must contact each bureau separately. See the bureau links in the section below.
Many victims skip reporting because they feel embarrassed or don't think it will help. But reports are required for bank disputes, insurance claims, and any legal action. They also directly help law enforcement track and prosecute scammer networks.
Recovery depends on how you paid:
A credit freeze is free, takes minutes, and is the single most powerful thing you can do to stop identity theft in its tracks.
Freeze your banking history file — important if bank accounts were opened fraudulently.
Freeze at ChexSystems →Reporting matters. Every report helps law enforcement track scammer networks and protect others from the same scheme.
The Federal Trade Commission's primary fraud intake. File first here for nearly any type of scam.
ReportFraud.ftc.gov →Internet Crime Complaint Center handles online scams, phishing, ransomware, and investment fraud.
IC3.gov →For unwanted calls, robotexts, spoofed numbers, and phone-based fraud.
FCC Complaint Center →Consumer Financial Protection Bureau handles bank account fraud, debt collection scams, and credit issues.
CFPB Complaint →US Postal Inspection Service for mail-based scams, fake checks, and lottery fraud sent by mail.
USPIS.gov →DOJ National Elder Fraud Hotline — dedicated support for scams targeting older adults. 1-833-FRAUD-11.
Elder Fraud Resources →Different scams require different recovery steps. Members get detailed guides for every type below.
Stop sending money immediately. Report to the SEC, FBI IC3, and your crypto exchange. Document all wallet addresses. Recovery is rare but reporting helps law enforcement.
Block all contact, do not send more money, report to the FTC, FBI IC3, and the platform where you met. Know that the "person" you spoke with is likely a scripted fraud operation.
Change compromised passwords, enable 2FA, report the phishing email to the company being impersonated and to the Anti-Phishing Working Group at reportphishing@apwg.org.
If you gave remote access: disconnect from the internet, run antivirus, change all passwords from a separate device. Report to the FTC. Your device may still have a backdoor installed.
Visit IdentityTheft.gov for a personalized recovery plan from the FTC. Place a credit freeze, report to the IRS Identity Protection Unit if your SSN was used, and file a police report.
Report to the FTC, the platform where the scam occurred, and your local police. If you provided a check or bank info, notify your bank immediately to prevent further withdrawals.
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Wow, I was impressed with the scam stories and guidance. The real-time feed keeps me informed without being overwhelming. This recovery guide is exactly what I needed right after it happened.
ScamSave taught me how to protect my privacy and I learned about scams I didn't even know existed. The step-by-step recovery guide walked me through everything after a phishing attack hit my accounts.
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