Contact whoever moved the money straight away, say a scammer tricked you, and ask for a reversal or refund. What you do next depends on how you paid. The FTC's guidance gives different first steps for wires, gift cards, crypto, cards and bank transfers. Speed matters most.
Wire transfer
Report it to the wire company right away, say a scammer tricked you into sending the money, and request a refund. If it was a large bank wire in a business setting, also call your bank, as in the business email compromise case, where the FBI advises asking the institution to recall funds and filing at ic3.gov.
Gift card
Contact the card issuer immediately using the number on the back of the card. Say a scammer got the card number and PIN, and ask for a refund. Keep the card and receipt.
Cryptocurrency
Contact the exchange or ATM operator immediately, say the transaction was fraudulent and ask them to reverse it. The FTC warns crypto has fewer legal protections than cards, so recovery can be difficult. Report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Credit card
Report it to the issuer immediately, using the number on the card or the app, and request a refund. The FTC notes federal law protects you from unauthorized use.
Debit card
Report it to your bank or credit union right away and request a refund. The FTC says federal law protects against unauthorized debit card use, but its guidance on limiting losses is worth reading.
Bank transfer or payment app
For a bank transfer such as Zelle, report it to your bank or credit union immediately and ask them to reverse the payment and refund you.
If you also gave access or passwords
- Remote access to your computer or phone: update security software, run a scan and delete anything it flags. Change passwords and turn on two-factor authentication. Get help from the device maker or someone you trust.
- Passwords: if you can still log in, set a new strong password, change it anywhere you reused it and turn on two-factor authentication. If you cannot log in, follow the platform's account recovery steps, then secure the account.
Then do these things
- Write down what happened with times, names, numbers and screenshots.
- Report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
- Watch your accounts for further activity.
- Consider a credit freeze if personal information was shared. See freeze or fraud alert.
- Tell your employer if work accounts, devices or money were involved.
Why shame is the real enemy
Scams catch careful people. The sooner you say what happened, the better the chances of a reversal, so do not wait out of embarrassment.
Quick check
Who do I call first after paying by gift card?
The card issuer, using the number on the back of the card.
Is crypto easy to recover?
No. The FTC says crypto has fewer legal protections than cards, so recovery can be difficult.
Sources
Last reviewed: 19 October 2026.
