I sent money to a scammer
You’re not alone, and it’s not your fault. Act fast: the sooner you report it, the better the chance of stopping the payment.
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First, right now
Contact your bank or payment app right now.
Ask them to stop or reverse the payment. Do this before anything else.- Contact the company you paid through.
Bank or card: call the number on the back of your card.
Payment app (Zelle, Venmo, Cash App, PayPal): report it in the app and call your bank.
Gift card: call the gift card company using the number on the card, and keep the card and receipt. Wire transfer or crypto: contact the company or exchange you used. - Stop all contact. Don’t send more money, even if they promise to pay you back or threaten you.
- Save the evidence. Screenshots of messages, receipts, transaction numbers, usernames and phone numbers.
- Report it. Report to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and to the FBI at ic3.gov.
- Watch out for “recovery” scams. Anyone who contacts you offering to get your money back for a fee is almost certainly another scammer.
- Protect your accounts. If you shared passwords or bank details, change those passwords and tell your bank. If you shared your Social Security number, see IdentityTheft.gov.
Last checked November 11, 2026
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