Tools · Spotting scams

What to do if you got scammed

Speed matters. Call whoever moved the money (bank for Zelle or transfers, the app for Venmo, Cash App or PayPal, Western Union or MoneyGram, the number on the back of a gift card, the crypto exchange or ATM operator) and ask them to reverse it. Report a debit card within 2 business days and your loss is capped at $50; after 60 days from your statement, it can be everything. Then change passwords, turn on two-factor sign-in, and report at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Anyone offering to recover your money for a fee is a second scam.

Easy30 min to do, more if your identity was usedFreeChecked October 2, 2026

You'll need

How, when and how much you paid, and to whom
Screenshots of the messages, profiles, phone numbers and payment confirmations
The gift card and receipt, if you used one
Your bank's or card issuer's phone number (on the back of the card)

Do it like this

Call whoever moved the money, now. Scammers pick payment methods that are hard to trace, and your money may already be gone, but it's always worth asking. Source: FTC¹ Use the table below for who to call and what to say.
Say the words. Tell them a scammer tricked you, and ask them to reverse the payment and refund your money. Source: FTC¹ Write down the date, the time, who you talked to and any claim number.
Follow up in writing for card problems. Send a letter to the issuer with your account number and the date and time you noticed the problem and first reported it. Keep a copy and your call notes. Source: FTC²
Lock down your accounts. If you gave away a password and can still log in, make a new, strong one, change it anywhere else you used it, and turn on two-factor authentication. Source: FTC¹ If you're locked out, use the account's recovery steps. Source: FTC¹
If you let a scammer into your computer or phone, update your security software, run a scan and delete anything it flags, then change passwords and turn on two-factor authentication. Source: FTC¹
If you gave out your Social Security number and it was used, report it at IdentityTheft.gov for a recovery plan. If you're not sure it was used, follow the steps at IdentityTheft.gov/databreach. Source: FTC¹ Consider freezing your credit.
Report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. The FTC uses reports to build cases, spot trends and warn people. Source: FTC¹ For internet crime, you can also file with the FBI's IC3.

Watch out Expect a second wave. Scammers impersonate the FTC. The FTC will never threaten you, tell you to move money to "protect it," or tell you to withdraw cash or buy gold and hand it over. Source: FTC¹

Who to call, by how you paid

From the FTC. Source: FTC¹

You paid with	Contact	Ask for
Zelle or bank transfer	Your bank or credit union	Reverse the payment and refund it
Venmo, Cash App, PayPal	The app	Reverse the payment and refund it
Western Union, MoneyGram	The wire transfer company	Tell them a scammer tricked you; ask for a refund
Credit or debit card	The number on the back of the card, or the app	A refund; federal law limits losses from unauthorized use
Gift card	The number on the back of the card	A refund; keep the card and receipt
Cryptocurrency	The exchange or crypto ATM operator	Reverse it as fraud; crypto has fewer legal protections
Cash by U.S. mail	U.S. Postal Inspection Service, 1-877-876-2455	Intercept the package, for a fee, if it hasn't been delivered

Your debit card limit depends on speed

If someone uses your ATM or debit card without permission, federal law caps your loss based on when you report it. Source: FTC²

You report it	Most you can lose
Before any unauthorized charge	$0
Within 2 business days of learning about it	$50
After 2 business days, but within 60 days of your statement	$500
More than 60 days after your statement	Everything taken, and possibly money in linked accounts

For credit cards, the most you can owe for unauthorized use is $50. Source: FTC²

What to say to the bank

I'm calling to report a fraudulent payment. On [date] a scammer tricked me into sending [amount] by [Zelle / debit card / transfer] to [name or account]. Please reverse the payment and refund my money. Can you give me a claim number, and tell me what you need from me in writing?

See it done

Video by FTCvideos Government

How to Report Fraud at ReportFraud.ftc.gov

Watch on YouTube: How to Report Fraud at ReportFraud.ftc.gov | Federal Trade Commission

Full title on YouTube: “How to Report Fraud at ReportFraud.ftc.gov | Federal Trade Commission”2020 · Checked October 3, 2026

Video won't load at school or work? No problem. Everything you need is in the steps; the video's just a bonus. Watch it on YouTube later.

If it doesn't work

Paid with crypto? It can be hard to get back, but some states have passed laws that might help. The FTC points to the National Conference of State Legislatures to search your state. Source: FTC¹
Sent cash by FedEx or UPS? Contact them as soon as possible. Source: FTC¹
Got a charge on a card you still have? You aren't responsible for unauthorized charges when only your account number was used, as long as you report within 60 days after the statement is sent. Source: FTC²

Good to know

The details, if you want them. Tap a line to open it.

Check your renters insurance

The FTC suggests checking whether your homeowner's or renter's insurance covers card theft. Source: FTC²

IC3

The Internet Crime Complaint Center is run by the FBI. Source: IC3⁴

Learn the signs

See Spotting a scam text or call for the four signs of a scam.

Take it with you

Printable card Download card (PDF)

Sources

Federal Trade Commission What to do if you were scammed
Federal Trade Commission Lost or stolen credit, ATM and debit cards
Federal Trade Commission ReportFraud.ftc.gov
Federal Bureau of Investigation Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)

Lesson T4.7 · Last checked October 2, 2026 against the sources listed.

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