Getting scammed can be very stressful for you — both emotionally and financially. It doesn’t matter if it’s a phishing email, a fake job offer, or someone posing as a company you trust. When you realize you’ve been fooled, you might feel very heavy inside. But keep in mind, you are not alone. There are ways you can act now to protect yourself and start feeling better.
This guide will help you spot the warning signs of a scam. It will also teach you how to act quickly and find reliable support services worldwide.
First, How Do You Know You’ve Been Scammed?
Not every scam is easy to spot. Many are designed to feel real and make you feel like you need to act fast. You might not realize what has happened until your money is gone or your information is used.
Some common red flags include:
- Emails or calls asking for private details like your Social Security number or credit card information.
- Requests for immediate payments or private information, especially from someone claiming to be from a government office or business.
- You made a payment for a job, investment, or service, but nothing was delivered.
- You sent money or personal information to someone you met online, and now they have vanished or stopped contacting you.
- You were pressured to make quick decisions.
If any of these situations sound familiar, it’s important to act quickly.
What to Do Right Away
1. Stop All Contact
When you feel like you’ve been tricked, cut off all communication with the scammer. Do not reply to messages, calls, or emails, even if they say they can give you your money back. Scammers usually play on your feelings to keep you engaged. A good thing to do is to take a moment, hold off on responding, and discuss it with someone you trust.
Block their number or email. Turn on spam filters. If you use messaging apps, block them there too. This simple step can go a long way in preventing further issues.
2. Report the Scam
Reporting the scam helps protect people. It gives officials more information to stop this fraud. Start by making a police report with your local law enforcement agency.
Share all the details you can. This means email addresses, phone numbers, payment receipts, or screenshots. Doing this can help investigators make a stronger case. It may also help find the people who are responsible.
3. Contact Your Bank or Payment Provider
If you sent money or shared your information, contact your bank or the payment service you used. Ask them if they are able to stop or reverse the transaction. Also, watch your account for any unusual activity.
If you used a money transfer app, contact them directly. Many of these companies have special support lines to report scams. If you sent money using Remitly, please tell us what happened by reporting it through our help center.
4. Keep Records
Save all your important items like emails, text messages, payment receipts, screenshots, and messages about the scam. Keep them in a folder or a digital file. These records can help the police.
5. Check Your Security
After a scam, your private information might be at risk. Follow these steps to stay safe:
- Set a fraud alert on your credit report. This will notify lenders to verify your identity.
- Freeze your credit if necessary. This keeps new accounts from starting in your name.
- Update your passwords. Begin with your bank, email, and social media accounts.
- Look at your bank accounts often for any unusual activity.
Taking these steps can help you feel more in control and may prevent further harm.
Where to Report a Scam: Global Resources
Getting scammed can feel lonely, but you are not alone. There are people available to help. If you want to report what happened, get support, or stop others from being scammed, here are some resources from different countries that can help you.
United Kingdom
Action Fraud is the UK’s main center for fraud and cybercrime. They may connect you with the National Fraud Victim Care Unit, which is a help option that gives you personal support.
📞 Call 0300 123 2040
👉 Visit Action Fraud
Find more UK specific resources here: What to Do After Getting Scammed (UK Guide) – Remitly
European Union
Victim Support Europe offers emotional support and guidance to victims of crime, including fraud, in participating EU countries.
📞 Call 116 006 for victim support
👉 Visit Victim Support Europe
United States
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) gathers reports about scams. They partner with over 2,800 law enforcement groups.
👉 Visit ReportFraud.ftc.gov
AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline provides scam victims with action steps, emotional support from trained peers, guidance for concerned families, and referrals to law enforcement and fraud investigators.
📞 877-908-3360
👉 Visit AARP
Better Business Bureau (BBB) Scam Tracker allows you to report scams so others can be warned. Verified reports are added to a public scam database that helps people spot and avoid similar schemes. BBB may follow up for more details or route certain reports as business complaints when needed. Reports are also shared with law enforcement to help stop scammers.
Canada
The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) outlines steps scam victims can take to report fraud, limit further damage, and protect their identity. It includes guidance on contacting your bank, credit bureaus, and law enforcement, as well as how to document and report the incident.
👉 Visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre
Singapore
If you see a scam, tell the Singapore Police Force. The Singaporean government provides a dedicated resource for scam victims, including clear steps to protect yourself from further losses and tools to report scams quickly.
👉 Visit ScamShield
Australia
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) manages Scamwatch. Here, you can report scams, find out how to keep yourself safe, and access help such as financial and emotional counselling.
👉 Visit Scamwatch
United Arab Emirates
The Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) gives tips on how to spot and stay away from scams in the UAE and steps you can take to report scams.
👉 Visit DFSA Scam Resources
Not Listed?
If your country is not on this list, first reach out to your local police or cybercrime unit. Be sure to also contact your bank or money provider.
Learn and Stay Safe
Scammers aim to make you feel scared, worried, or excited to get what they want. If you stay aware, you can lower your risk. Here are some tips to stay safe:
- Check your bank and credit card statements regularly.
- Be careful of offers that seem too good to be true or pressure you to rush.
- Visit trusted sites like the Federal Trade Commission or Better Business to find out about the latest scams.
You’re Not Alone
If you have been scammed, you might feel embarrassed or lonely. But you are not alone. Every year, millions of people become victims of scams.
Talk to someone you trust, such as a friend or a family member. You can also seek help from experts or support hotlines for victims. Most importantly, remember that this experience does not define you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How can I spot a scam before it’s too late?
Look for messages you did not ask for. Be careful with requests that want you to act fast. Also, watch out for requests for money or personal information. Always verify who sent the message by double-checking their identity. Look into the offer, and be curious about any doubt you feel. If something feels wrong, it probably is.
Act fast. Contact your bank. Set up a fraud alert on your credit report. Change all your related passwords. The quicker you act, the more you can prevent damage.
Can I get my money back?
It depends on what took place and how quickly you act. Some banks or payment companies may be able to reverse the transaction. Remember to keep all records and tell your local authorities about the problem.
Are scam victims able to get emotional support?
Yes, groups such as AARP Fraud Watch and Victim Support Europe offer practical help and emotional care.
Do scammers give money back if I keep talking to them?
No, they do not. Once you think it may be a scam, you should stop talking to them. Scammers may say they will return your money to try to bring you back. However, if you continue to chat, you may get yourself into a more risky situation.
Where can I learn more about staying safe?
Check out Remitly’s scam education article. You can find more tips on how to spot and avoid common scams.