FTC — Federal Trade Commission
ReportFraud.ftc.gov · 1-877-382-4357
The main place to report all types of scams. Filing a report helps the government track and stop scammers.
🆘 Recovery Guide
What to Do If You've Been Scammed
If you or someone you love was scammed — online, by phone, or by text — don't panic. Acting quickly and following these steps gives you the best chance to recover and stay protected.
First: This Is Not Your Fault
Scammers are professionals who trick people every day — including smart, careful people. Being scammed does not mean you did something wrong. What matters now is what you do next. You are not alone, and help is available.
Act Quickly
⏱️ What to Do — In Order
Work through these in order. The sooner you act, the better your chances of recovering money and preventing further harm.
Step 1 — Stop All Contact with the Scammer
Do this first (within minutes). Do not respond to any more calls, texts, or emails from them — even if they threaten you or say you owe them money. Block the number or email address immediately.
Step 2 — Contact Your Bank or Payment Service Right Away
If money was sent (within the hour). Call the number on the back of your debit or credit card immediately. Explain that you were scammed and ask them to:
- Stop or reverse the transaction if possible
- Flag your account for fraud monitoring
- Issue you a new card number
If you sent money via Zelle, Venmo, or gift cards, call those companies directly as well — gift card companies sometimes have a fraud line that can freeze the card before it's used.
Step 3 — Change Your Passwords
Within 24 hours. Change the passwords on your email, bank, and any accounts the scammer may have accessed. Start with your email — it's the key to everything else. Use a new, unique password for each account.
Step 4 — Place a Fraud Alert on Your Credit
Within 24 hours. Call any one of the three credit bureaus — they are required to notify the others. A fraud alert makes it harder for someone to open new accounts in your name. It's free.
- Equifax: 1-800-685-1111
- Experian: 1-888-397-3742
- TransUnion: 1-800-916-8800
Step 5 — Report the Scam Officially
Within a few days. Reporting helps protect others and creates an official record that may help with recovery. See the list of who to call below.
Step 6 — Monitor Your Accounts and Credit
Ongoing. Check your bank statements weekly for a few months. Review your free credit report at AnnualCreditReport.com. If you see anything unusual, report it to your bank immediately.
Who to Call
📞 Important Numbers to Report a Scam
FBI Internet Crime Center
IC3.gov
For online scams, email fraud, and tech support scams. The FBI uses these reports to investigate and prosecute scammers.
AARP Fraud Helpline
1-877-908-3360
Free, confidential support from trained fraud specialists. They can guide you through next steps and offer emotional support too.
Social Security Fraud Hotline
1-800-269-0271
If someone used your Social Security number or pretended to be from Social Security, report it here immediately.
Your State Attorney General
Search: "[Your State] Attorney General scam report"
State attorneys general investigate local scam operations. Filing adds to the case against scammers in your area.
Medicare Fraud Hotline
1-800-HHS-TIPS (1-800-447-8477)
If someone used your Medicare number or billed Medicare for services you didn't receive, report it here.
Taking Care of Yourself After a Scam
Being scammed can feel embarrassing, scary, and overwhelming. These feelings are completely normal — and common. Millions of people are scammed every year, including highly educated professionals.
It's important to talk to someone you trust — a family member, friend, or counselor. Keeping it secret often makes the stress worse and makes it harder to get help quickly.
If you are feeling very distressed, the AARP Fraud Helpline (1-877-908-3360) also provides emotional support, not just practical advice. They understand what you're going through.
Going Forward
Protect Yourself From This Point On
Simple Steps That Prevent the Next Scam
- Set up two-factor authentication on your email and bank accounts
- Never give personal information to anyone who contacts you unexpectedly
- Create a family "safe word" to verify real emergency calls
- Check your credit report every few months at AnnualCreditReport.com (it's free)
- Consider placing a credit freeze — stronger than an alert — if identity theft occurred
- Read our AI Scams guide to learn about the newest tricks scammers are using
For Family Members — How to Help a Parent Who Was Scammed
- ✅ Stay calm and reassuring — do not make them feel blamed or embarrassed
- ✅ Help them contact the bank and credit bureaus as soon as possible
- ✅ Sit with them while they make reports to the FTC and other agencies
- ✅ Change their passwords together and set up two-factor authentication
- ✅ Monitor their accounts with their permission for the next few months
- ✅ Use this experience to set up a family safe word and discuss prevention going forward