I sent money to a scammer

1. 1.Call your bank or card company now

   Use the number on the back of your card or in the official app, not a number from a text or email. Ask them to stop or reverse the payment and to flag your account. For gift cards, call the card company on the number printed on the card. For a wire or crypto transfer, ask the sending company to reverse it.

2. 2.Stop all contact with the scammer

   Do not send more money, even if they promise a refund or threaten you. Block the number or account.

3. 3.Report it to the FTC

   Your report helps investigators and gives you a reference number for your bank.

   • Report to the FTC (ReportFraud.ftc.gov)

4. 4.If it happened online, report it to the FBI

   Include dates, amounts, and how you paid.

   • Report online fraud to the FBI (IC3.gov)

5. 5.File a police report

   Call your local police non-emergency line. Some banks need a report number to refund you.

6. 6.Watch for "recovery" scams

   No one can get your money back for a fee. Anyone who contacts you offering to is another scammer.

   • AARP Fraud Watch Helpline (free, for anyone): 877-908-3360

Have a Sigrel account? Sign in to tick off steps as you go and see your county's police non-emergency line where we have it.