How to Get Money Back After Being Scammed

Act Immediately by Payment Method

• Credit or Debit Cards: Contact your bank to dispute the charge via a "chargeback."
• Bank Transfers & Wire Transfers: Ask your bank for a "recall" or reversal.
• Peer-to-Peer Apps (Zelle, Venmo, Cash App): Report the fraud directly within the app's support portal.
• Gift Cards: Call the issuer (e.g., Apple, Amazon) to freeze the card balance.
• Cryptocurrency: Recovery is rare, but report the wallet address to your exchange.

Secure Your Accounts and Identity

• Change Passwords: Update credentials for all compromised financial and email accounts.
• Freeze Credit: Contact major credit bureaus to prevent unauthorized new accounts.
• Scan Devices: Run antivirus software if you downloaded software or clicked links.

File Official Law Enforcement Reports

• Local Police: File a non-emergency report to get a legal case number.
• Federal Trade Commission: Submit a formal complaint at the official FTC Report Fraud Portal.
• Internet Crime Complaint Center: Report cyber-enabled scams directly to the FBI IC3 Platform.

Watch for Recovery Scams

• Ignore Recovery Agents: Avoid anyone claiming they can hack back your stolen money.
• Never Pay Upfront Fees: Real authorities do not charge fees to investigate fraud.
• Verify Communications: Block unexpected messages offering to retrieve your lost assets.