Before & After the Click™The Gamethat helps empower you against scammers. Test your skills.

If it already happened

Move quickly and do not spend a single minute on embarrassment. Speed gives you the best chance of getting money back.

Right now

  • Stop all contact. Do not send anything further, including to “recover” what you lost.
  • Telephone the bank, card issuer, payment app, wire company, gift card company, or cryptocurrency exchange you paid through. Use the number on your card or statement.
  • Say plainly: I was tricked into this payment. Please reverse it and refund me.
  • If you gave out account details, ask them to freeze or reissue the card and change your online banking password.

Within a few hours

  • Change the password on your email first, then on your bank and shopping accounts.
  • Turn on two-step verification anywhere it is offered.
  • If someone had access to your computer, disconnect it from the internet and have it checked by someone you trust.
  • Write down everything while it is fresh: times, names, numbers, amounts, what was said.

Within 24 hours

  • Report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
  • If your personal information was taken, go to IdentityTheft.gov for a personalized recovery plan.
  • Consider freezing your credit at all three bureaus.
  • Tell one family member or friend. You will need someone to think alongside you.
  • File a report with your local police, and note the report number.

Expect a second wave. Anyone who contacts you offering to recover your money for a fee is the same operation coming back around.

Who to call

  • Report a scam or fraud

    ReportFraud.ftc.gov

    1-877-382-4357

  • Identity theft recovery plan

    IdentityTheft.gov

    1-877-438-4338

  • Internet crime (FBI)

    ic3.gov

  • Free help talking it through (AARP)

    aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork

    1-877-908-3360

  • Money sent through the U.S. mail

    uspis.gov

    1-877-876-2455

  • IRS or tax impersonation

    tigta.gov/reportcrime-misconduct

    1-800-366-4484

  • Medicare fraud

    medicare.gov

    1-800-633-4227

  • Complaint about a bank, card, or lender

    consumerfinance.gov/complaint

    1-855-411-2372

  • Equifax credit freeze

    equifax.com

    1-888-298-0045

  • Experian credit freeze

    experian.com/help/credit-freeze

    1-888-397-3742

  • TransUnion credit freeze

    transunion.com/credit-freeze

    1-888-909-8872

  • Suspicious text message

    Forward it to 7726 (SPAM)

  • Your own bank or card

    The number on the back of your card, or on your statement

Numbers as printed in the S.A.F.E. booklet, verified by the author against each agency's website. If someone is in danger, call 911.