Hang Up First
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Being pressured right now? Hang up. Call back using a number you find yourself. →

Sent money to a scammer? Do this now.

Contact the company that moved the money first. Then save proof and report it. Recovery is not guaranteed, but acting fast can help.

If someone is coming to pick up money

If a courier is on the way, someone is at your door, or you are in danger, call 911 now.

Do this now

  • Stop communicating with the person who pressured you.
  • Contact the bank, payment app, card company, gift card company, wire service, or crypto platform you used.
  • Say you believe the payment was made because of a scam.
  • Ask about a fraud claim, reversal, recall, chargeback, freeze, or dispute.
  • Ask for a case number or reference number.
  • Save receipts, transaction IDs, screenshots, wallet addresses, gift card numbers, and messages.
  • Report it to official channels after you contact the payment provider.

Choose what you used

The exact next step depends on how the money moved. The full recovery page has branches for bank transfers, payment apps, gift cards, cryptocurrency, remote access, identity information, and banking logins.

Go to steps by payment type →

Where to report it

Report through official channels after you contact the company that moved the money. For online scams, include the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center. For bank, card, or payment app problems, you may also be able to complain to the CFPB.

See where to report →

What not to do

Don't do this

  • Do not pay anyone who promises to recover the money for a fee.
  • Do not give a recovery caller a verification code, password, or remote access.
  • Do not delete messages, receipts, wallet addresses, or transaction records before saving them.
  • Do not use a phone number or link the scammer gave you to contact your bank or payment provider.

Common questions

Can I get money back after sending it to a scammer?

Sometimes, but recovery is not guaranteed. Contact the bank, payment app, card company, gift card company, or crypto platform you used right away and ask about a fraud claim, reversal, recall, freeze, or dispute.

Should I call my bank or report it first?

Call the bank, payment app, card issuer, gift card company, or crypto platform first if money moved. Then report it to official channels. Speed can matter, but it does not guarantee recovery.

Should I trust someone who says they can recover my money?

Be very careful. Anyone who asks for an upfront fee, a code, remote access, or more payment to recover money is likely running a second scam.

Last reviewed: 2026-07-03

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