Response

What to do in the first 24 hours after a suspected scam

If money, login codes, passwords, identity details, or account access may have been exposed, act before arguing about what happened.

Call the provider first

If money moved, call the bank, card issuer, payment app, wire service, crypto platform, or relevant provider immediately. Ask for the fraud department. Ask what options may still be available for the transfer, and ask for the case number or reference number.

Preserve evidence

Save screenshots, phone numbers, email addresses, usernames, profile links, transaction IDs, receipts, wallet addresses, dates, and the exact wording of messages.

Secure accounts

If account access was shared, change passwords from a trusted device, enable two-factor authentication where practical, and sign out of other sessions.

Report through official channels

In the United States, internet-enabled fraud can be reported through IC3.gov, and fraud reports can be filed at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. In Canada, report cybercrime and fraud through reportcyberandfraud.canada.ca; contact local police when you are a victim, there are threats, or safety is involved. Use official websites typed manually.

What to say to the bank

"I need the fraud department. I believe I was pressured into a scam transaction. What options may still be available, and what case number should I write down?"