1. Stop Communication Instantly
Do not tell the scammer you know it's a scam. Block them immediately. If they know you are onto them, they may try to extract a final payment or quickly move the funds you've already sent.
2. Secure Your Accounts
- Change Passwords: Especially your email and banking passwords.
- Enable 2FA: Turn on Two-Factor Authentication using an authenticator app, not SMS if possible.
- Check for Remote Access: If you let a "tech support" person into your computer, uninstall AnyDesk, TeamViewer, or LogMeIn, and run a full malware scan.
3. Contact Your Financial Institution (Time is Critical)
Call the fraud department of your bank or credit card company immediately. The speed of your report dictates your chance of recovery.
- Credit Cards: You have strong protections under the Fair Credit Billing Act. Dispute the charge.
- Wire Transfers/Zelle: Very difficult to reverse, but report it immediately; sometimes the receiving account can be frozen if caught quickly.
- Gift Cards / Crypto: Almost impossible to recover. Beware of anyone claiming they can get it back for a fee.
Beware of Recovery Scams
After you are scammed, you may receive emails or messages from "hackers" or "agencies" claiming they can recover your money for an upfront fee. These are the same scammers returning for a second bite. Legitimate law enforcement does not charge a fee to investigate fraud.
4. Report to Authorities
Reporting helps build a case against the syndicates and is required for certain insurance claims.
- In the US: Report to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3.gov) and the FTC (ReportFraud.ftc.gov).
- In the UK: Action Fraud.
- In Canada: Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.