If someone you care about paid a scammer, here’s how to help (2024)

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The purpose of this blog and its comments section is to inform readers about Federal Trade Commission activity, and share information to help them avoid, report, and recover from fraud, scams, and bad business practices. Your thoughts, ideas, and concerns are welcome, and we encourage comments. But keep in mind, this is a moderated blog. We review all comments before they are posted, and we won’t post comments that don’t comply with our commenting policy. We expect commenters to treat each other and the blog writers with respect.

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Jeanette Banister

April 10, 2024

thank you for sending mr this information.

  • Reply

WEF

April 10, 2024

Great Advice!!

  • Reply

Jeanette Banister

April 10, 2024

thank you for sending me this information.

  • Reply

Yechale Getahun

April 15, 2024

In reply to thank you for sending me… by Jeanette Banister

I used to report for you,I didn't see your good integrity with the victim me to catch the scammer and to stop my loss,the reason of reporting for you ,it didn't make me sense based on my experience. I hate scammer when relax like cool, they look like corrupted with the power... Sad experience..
Told the truth is not aggressive, it is authenticity😎.

  • Reply

Mark Yeag.

April 10, 2024

My mom was scammed by a scammer in Nigeria and I reported it to Western Union as they said I could recoup some of the money because they had a class action suit. I spent 2-3 day gathering all the information and sent it to them, never heard a word back from them. She had sent about $60 - $70,000. File all the information they asked for. After all that work gathering all the information it makes me wonder was I the one getting scammed by W.U. This happened back in 2020-2021. Never heard a word back from them.

  • Reply

Daniel K Wilson

April 15, 2024

In reply to My mom was scammed by a… by Mark Yeag.

I was scammed years ago through Western Union, it was hard but I was able to provide eastern Union with all the transaction information, now several years to later, then just sent me a message that they needed the in information again, well I already gave it to them and they have it or how and why would they even contact if they didn't have it, miss, you are absolutely correct when you suggested that western Union was involved, it's not right, it's not fair business practices, I also believe the entire deal is connected to Western Union and I want my money back too, but with the deceite if western union employees we might never get my money back blessings!!!!!!?

  • Reply

Deborah Hanley

April 10, 2024

What is absolutely unforgivable is all these government agencies do nothing to help out the victim. Yes fact finding and data collecting is important for policy making but the person who got scammed really gets no direct help whatsoever .

  • Reply

Deborah C Johnson

April 10, 2024

Thank you I did contact FTC I was scammed out of 22,500.00 to Homematters USA CASE IS PENDING BUT YOU NEVER TELL US HOW TO RETRIEVE OUR MONEY BACK; in other words FTC DO INVESTIGATE, but often we the victims never are compensated

  • Reply

FTC Staff

April 10, 2024

In reply to Thank you I did contact FTC … by Deborah C Johnson

If the FTC files an enforcement matter related to something you reported, and gets money back for people, we will try to contact the people who filed reports, and other people who lost money. Read the Frequently Asked Questions to learn about what happens after you report something to the FTC at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/#/faq.

We also explain the steps involved in getting refunds to people. Go to this page to read those steps:
https://www.ftc.gov/enforcement/recent-ftc-cases-resulting-refunds/how-….

The FTC has a public list of active refund programs at www.ftc.gov/enforcement/refunds. The list tells you who to contact if you have a question about a refund in something on the list.

  • Reply

Lisa Koffler

April 10, 2024

I was scammed last year, but I had friends who were able to help me undo the damages!

I didn't get back the stolen money, but I was lucky enough to have it replaced in my investment portfolio, while my monthly allowances replenished my checking and savings accounts!

  • Reply

Taci

April 10, 2024

I was cornered by my family and accused of lying and deceit. It was a horrible shaming experience and continues to bring me to tears. They will never know my full story because they didn't want to "listen" to me. I've been in some type of pain ever since. Thank you for sharing this vital, kind approach to helping others who might feel trapped in their scammer's web.

  • Reply

Cindy

April 17, 2024

In reply to I was cornered by my family… by Taci

I have to agree that it’s emotionally and mentally the worst pain to go through and some people have taken their life because of all these scammers and everything they have done to cause so much pain and even death and I don’t want anyone to go through it was like I didn’t have any control over myself and I couldn’t believe the things I normaly would never said,did or done or whatever it was as I was brainwashed and had no control but I help others to know and bring awareness about this now

  • Reply

April Collier

April 10, 2024

We've been scammed, and it is a nightmare to get it resolved. These crooks are getting wiser by the minute, we all need to be aware of their tactics. Thank you for putting this info out here ... keep it up!

  • Reply

Cheryl

April 10, 2024

why isn't the federal government doing more to stop these international scammers from preying on Americans? Can't these phone calls from around the world be stopped? Our tax money is going into this website telling people to be kind--but nothing is being done to end this horror!

  • Reply

CHG

April 10, 2024

I am educated more on identity theft, and various scammers!

Thank you

  • Reply

Beverly Varner

April 11, 2024

My husband was scammed a few years ago out of 1000$ off an Apple card the scammer sent a text & when my hubby called a # given to him the man on the phone told him to enter 99999 as a code, well next thing you know the 1000 was gone! We were devastated because we are not rich & had recently recieved that money & needed it badly for bills.We tried all kind if things, then I came across this website. My hubby sent FTC a message explaining what happened & the on line bank that was holding the $ told us they couldn't return it to us because....I dont remember, but we did get the $ back on the Apple card then moved it to our checking account! We couldn't believe it, it had been 1 year!!! So, don't give up!! Someone @the FTC is listening & I am so thankful. Whoever you are God Bless You!!!

  • Reply

mister sam

April 11, 2024

I was actually a victim and I was scammed for around 2k. Trying to get extra money for my daughter and bills. To anyone reading this do not try anything that sounds to good. I tried the bitcoin flip and all they do is tell you you have to pay more and more for the transaction fees.

  • Reply

Barbara Baker

April 11, 2024

This is very important info for people to know. I will share with others. Thank you.

  • Reply

Warren Robinson

April 11, 2024

Thank you for this information, I am evidently a victim of both scamming, jamming and identity theft, it turns out, it is more difficult and costly to reclaim my identity, than anything else I have undertaken. It's frightening, however I was not previously aware that the FTC is a law enforcement agency, that is a good thing.

  • Reply

Pascal

April 11, 2024

The only way to stop them would be a world alliance with big exemples.
Unfortunately, some governments encourage them.

  • Reply
If someone you care about paid a scammer, here’s how to help (2024)

FAQs

If someone you care about paid a scammer, here’s how to help? ›

Contact your bank immediately to let them know what's happened and ask if you can get a refund. Most banks should reimburse you if you've transferred money to someone because of a scam.

What do you do if you paid a scammer? ›

Contact your bank immediately to let them know what's happened and ask if you can get a refund. Most banks should reimburse you if you've transferred money to someone because of a scam.

How to mentally recover after being scammed? ›

Here are some suggestions:
  1. Accept the emotions. Take another look at that list above. ...
  2. Find your best supportive family members and friends. ...
  3. Self care. ...
  4. Monitor and change your thinking. ...
  5. Ask for help when you need it. ...
  6. Listen and empathize without judgment. ...
  7. Don't say…
  8. Remind them this does not mean they are stupid.

How to comfort someone who just got scammed? ›

Supporting a Friend or Loved One Who's Been Scammed
  1. Provide a listening ear and offer non-judgemental empathy and support. Your friend is likely already judging themselves, so they don't need judgement from anyone else. ...
  2. Remind them that they are not dumb. ...
  3. Help them focus on what they can do.

How do you help a scammer victim? ›

What can I do if I am a victim of a scam?
  1. Report the scam to the police. Ask for a copy of the police report. ...
  2. Contact the financial institutions, credit card issuers, or companies that are involved. Tell them about the scam. ...
  3. Contact Equifax and TransUnion. ...
  4. Report the scam to government agencies.

How to convince someone they are being conned? ›

Here are some tips on how to convince a loved one that they are being scammed:
  1. Present the facts: Gather evidence and present it to your loved one in a clear and factual manner. ...
  2. Ask questions: Encourage your loved one to ask the scammer questions that only someone who is telling the truth would be able to answer.
Feb 13, 2023

How do you get a scammer to refund you? ›

Notify your bank and credit card companies, file complaints with the FTC, and document all details of the scam. Though recovery is difficult, being proactive gives you the best chance of getting funds returned. Answer follow-up questions from your bank or credit card company.

What is the emotional trauma of being scammed? ›

If the victim had formed a meaningful relationship with the scammer, then betrayal trauma, anxiety and depression, guilt, embarrassment, anger, stress, and sometimes substance abuse can follow.

What is the psychology of a scammer? ›

Manipulative Nature — Scammers are highly skilled in manipulation techniques. They exploit emotions, instill fear or urgency, and employ persuasive tactics to deceive their victims. They often create a sense of urgency to pressure individuals into making impulsive decisions.

What is an emotional scammer? ›

It starts when a scammer builds an emotional connection with someone, often on dating platforms, with the intention of exploiting their trust for financial gain. The success of a romance scam lies in the scammer's ability to manipulate emotions and create a false sense of intimacy.

How do you expose a scammer? ›

Report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Scammers can be very convincing. They call, email, and send us text messages trying to get our money or sensitive personal information — like our Social Security or account numbers.

How to confront a scammer? ›

Confronting a scammer directly can be risky. Scammers often operate anonymously and may resort to intimidation or retaliation. It's safer to report the scam to the authorities and let them handle the situation.

Can I get my money back if I paid a scammer? ›

Contact the company or bank that issued the credit card or debit card. Tell them it was a fraudulent charge. Ask them to reverse the transaction and give you your money back.

Can I keep the money a scammer sent me? ›

If you receive money from a form of payment that was stolen by a scammer, that money could be removed from your account. Do not send the money back. If you send your own money back, the stolen funds you received can also be removed from your account.

Can I get my money back if I was scammed on Cash App? ›

In conclusion, Cash App does not guarantee refunds for payments sent to other users. If you have been scammed on Cash App, it's important to act quickly and take steps to protect yourself. Contact 1-844-627-3528 Cash App support, report the scam, contact your bank, and consider filing a police report if necessary.

How do I get my money back from unauthorized transactions? ›

Once you notify your bank or credit union about an unauthorized transaction (that is, a charge or withdrawal you didn't make or allow), it generally has ten business days to investigate the issue. The bank or credit union must correct an error within one business day after determining that an error has occurred.

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