Emergency plan

Been scammed? Do these things now.

First: it isn't your fault. Scams are run by professionals and catch smart, careful people every day. Acting quickly gives you the best chance of stopping the damage.

In the first hour

1. Call your bank, card provider or payment app using the number on your card or in the official app. Say you've been scammed and ask them to stop or recall the payment and block your card if needed. With crypto, contact the exchange you sent it from.
2. Stop all contact with the scammer. Don't send more money, even if they promise a refund or threaten you.
3. Secure your accounts. If you shared a password or code, change the password on the real site, turn on two-step verification, and sign out other devices.
4. If someone accessed your computer, disconnect it from the internet and uninstall any app they asked you to install.
5. Save evidence: screenshots of messages, phone numbers, web addresses, payment references and dates.

Today

1. Report it to the police or national fraud service (choose your country on this page). You'll often get a reference number that banks ask for.
2. Report the account or profile on the platform where it happened: WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, the marketplace or the dating app.
3. If you shared ID documents, contact the issuing authority and consider credit monitoring or identity protection.
4. Tell family and friends, especially if your account was taken over and could be used to message them.

In the coming weeks

• Watch your statements and credit report for anything unusual.
• Beware of recovery scams: anyone who contacts you offering to get your money back for a fee. How they work.
• Talk to someone. Losing money to a scam can be distressing. Many countries have free victim support services, which your police report can often connect you to.

Warn others: report the scam here too