Bank transfer or Zelle
Contact your bank or credit union immediately. Report the scam and ask whether the payment can be recalled or refunded.
First steps
Start with the payment you made.
You do not need to have every answer before asking for help. Contact the company that handled the payment and keep the records you have.
Stop sending money. Use a phone number or app you already trust—not the contact details the other person gives you.
How did you pay?
Venmo, Cash App, PayPal, or another payment app
Report the transaction to the app through its official support. Ask whether the payment can be reversed.
Credit or debit card
Call your card issuer using the number on the card. Explain the transaction and ask about a dispute or refund.
Wire transfer service
Contact the wire service right away. Report the fraudulent payment and ask whether it can be stopped or refunded.
Gift card
Contact the card issuer. Keep the card and receipt, and ask whether it can refund the payment.
Cryptocurrency
Contact the exchange or ATM operator you used. Preserve wallet addresses, transaction IDs, amounts, and dates. Completed blockchain transfers generally cannot be reversed.
Cash sent by mail or courier
Contact the postal service or carrier promptly. Ask whether an undelivered package can be intercepted.
Available options depend on the payment and the circumstances. See the FTC's payment guidance.
Protect accounts that may be exposed.
If you shared a password, change it through the official website or app and enable two-factor authentication. If identity information was involved, IdentityTheft.gov provides a plan for your situation.
If you gave someone remote access, stop the session and seek help from a trusted technical support provider. Avoid calling a number from an unexpected pop-up.
Report what happened.
An official report and a private analysis request serve different purposes. These links take you directly to the organizations that receive reports.
Make the next conversation easier.
Keep your payment details, messages, account names, and report references together. You can start with a few records and add more as you find them.
Use the record checklistA clearer place to start
Your next step starts
with the facts.
Tell us what happened. We’ll review where an analysis may help.