Right now
Think it was a scam?
Take a breath. These steps work in any state, and doing them soon helps most.
Short answer
Stop contact, then call the bank or card company right away using the number on the card. Then report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, and at ic3.gov if it happened online, and call the AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline for free support.
- Stop contact. Hang up, do not reply, and do not send more money or information, even if the person promises a refund.
- Call the bank or card company right away, using the number on the back of the card or a statement. Tell them what happened and what was sent, and ask what they can do.
- If a gift card was used, contact the company that issued the card using the number on the card or its website.
- Report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
- If it happened online or involved a wire, payment app, or cryptocurrency, also report it to the FBI at ic3.gov.
- Call your local police department on its non-emergency number and ask for a report number. If someone is in danger, call 911.
- If personal details such as a Social Security number were shared, go to IdentityTheft.gov and consider a credit freeze.
- For free support, call the AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline at 877-908-3360. It is open to anyone, and you do not need to be a member.
- Write down what happened: dates, phone numbers, names used, amounts, and how money was sent. Keep any messages.
Watch for a second scam. People who were scammed are sometimes called again by someone offering to recover the money for a fee. That is also a scam.
Common questions
Should I feel embarrassed?
No. Scammers are skilled and target everyone. Reporting quickly is the most helpful thing you can do.
Can the money be recovered?
Sometimes, especially when the bank or payment company is told quickly. Call them first. The official reporting sites explain what else can be done.
Who do I call if I think an older adult is being exploited by someone they know?
Contact Adult Protective Services in the area where they live. The Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 can connect you. If there is immediate danger, call 911.
If money or personal information was shared, contact the bank and the official resources listed here.
Official national resources
- FTC: ReportFraud.ftc.gov
- FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)
- AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline, 877-908-3360 (free, for anyone)
- FTC: IdentityTheft.gov
- USA.gov: How to place a credit freeze
- USA.gov: Where to report scams
- Social Security Office of the Inspector General
- Medicare.gov: Reporting Medicare fraud and abuse
- Eldercare Locator (1-800-677-1116), including Adult Protective Services
Links go to public national resources. Kinhaven is not affiliated with them.