First, stop all contact
Hang up, stop replying, and do not send any more money, even if they say one more payment will fix everything or that you will be arrested. Losing money is not your fault. Scammers are skilled at pressure, and they target people who are kind and careful.
Who to call, based on how you paid
- Credit or debit card: call the number on the back of your card and ask to dispute the charge.
- Bank transfer or check: call your bank and ask them to reverse the transfer or stop the check.
- Gift card: call the company that issued the card, using the number on the back. Tell them it was used in a scam and ask for a refund. Keep the card and the receipt.
- Wire transfer through Western Union or MoneyGram: call the company's fraud line and ask them to stop the transfer.
- Payment app like Zelle, Venmo, or Cash App: report it in the app and call your bank or card company too.
- Cryptocurrency: contact the exchange or company you used. Crypto is very hard to get back, so report it quickly.
- Cash sent by mail or courier: call the US Postal Inspection Service or the courier right away. A package can sometimes be stopped.
Then report it
- Report at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
- If it happened online or by email, also report at ic3.gov.
- Call your local police and ask for a report number. Your bank may want it.
- If you gave out personal details, see identitytheft.gov.
Beware of the second scam
People who lost money often get calls from someone promising to recover it for a fee. These are scammers too, sometimes the same ones. Government agencies and real lawyers do not charge you upfront to get your money back.
Free help to talk it through
The AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline at 877-908-3360 is free and open to anyone, member or not. Trained volunteers can help you work out your next steps.
Stuck on a step?
Text Uncle at +1 208 214 0093 and tell him what you see on your screen. He walks you through it in plain words, one step at a time.
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Written by the Textuncle team. Last updated October 3, 2026.
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