Get Help Now
If you've been scammed, time is critical. Follow our step-by-step guide to protect yourself, report the fraud, and begin your recovery journey.
Emergency Hotline
24/7 immediate assistance
(833) FRAUD-11
(833) 372-8311
Call immediately if you're experiencing an active scam or have just been victimized. Our team is available 24/7 to provide immediate guidance and support.
Financial Recovery Program
Wayne State University - Institute of Gerontology
Financial & emotional recovery support after victimization
Education about scam techniques, protection & reporting
Interactive financial literacy workshops
Step-by-Step Action Checklist
Follow these steps in order, starting with the fastest actions that can stop or undo transfers.
Stop Contact and Preserve Evidence (Right Now)
Contact Bank/Card Company Immediately (Same Day)
Take Action Based on How You Paid
Secure Your Identity If Personal Info Was Shared
If you gave SSN, bank login, card numbers, photos of ID, or account access
Report to the Right Authorities (Same Week)
Lock Down Your Accounts and Devices
Monitor and Follow Up (Next 30-90 Days)
Who to Contact - In Order
Start at the top and work your way down. Each contact serves a specific purpose in your recovery.
Call 911
If you're in danger
If the scammer is threatening you, showing up at your home, or you feel unsafe
Your Bank / Credit Union / Card Company
Immediately
Call the phone number on the back of your card (or your bank's fraud number)
What to say:
"I was scammed. Please stop/undo any transfers, freeze my account/card, and open a fraud claim."
The FTC's guidance is to contact the company you used to send money and ask them to reverse/stop the transaction if possible.
National Elder Fraud Hotline
For seniors 60+
They assign you a case manager who helps you with reporting and connects you to resources
Open weekdays during business hours Eastern Time
AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline
Free guidance + emotional support
They provide practical steps, support, and referrals (available to anyone, not just AARP members)
Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
To help authorities track it
Report at ReportFraud.ftc.gov even if you already called your bank
FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)
For online scams
Especially if it involved online contact, email/text, tech support scams, romance scams, crypto, etc.
If you need help filing IC3, the FBI notes you can use the Elder Fraud Hotline for assistance. Important: Type "ic3.gov" directly into your browser as scammers spoof the IC3 site.
Local Police + State Attorney General
For documentation and recovery
File a report with your local police/sheriff and contact your State Attorney General (consumer protection)
The CFPB lists these as key reporting steps for additional enforcement options.
IdentityTheft.gov + Credit Bureaus
If personal info was stolen
If you shared your SSN, bank login, or ID info, go to IdentityTheft.gov for the official recovery plan
Consider a fraud alert or credit freeze with the credit bureaus. IdentityTheft.gov will walk you through it.
Adult Protective Services (APS) + Eldercare Locator
For ongoing exploitation (60+)
If the victim is 60+ and there's ongoing exploitation (including by a caregiver/relative), report to Adult Protective Services
Eldercare Locator (call/text) connects you to local services (Area Agency on Aging, etc.). CFPB specifically recommends APS for elder financial abuse.
Legal Services Corporation (LSC)
For free/low-cost legal help
If money is tied up, contracts signed, eviction risk, etc. - helps you locate local legal aid offices
Quick Call List
Copy this list and keep it handy. Work through each contact to ensure complete reporting and protection.
Bank/Card Issuer Fraud Dept
Number on card
National Elder Fraud Hotline
1-833-FRAUD-11 (833-372-8311)
AARP Fraud Helpline
877-908-3360
FBI IC3
ic3.govLocal Police + State Attorney General
Contact your local offices
Eldercare Locator
1-800-677-1116
Tip: Save this page or take a screenshot of this list for quick reference. Having these contacts readily available can save valuable time in an emergency.
Immediate Actions to Take
Time is critical. Follow these steps immediately to minimize damage and protect yourself.
Stop All Communication
1Immediately cease all contact with the scammer. Do not respond to calls, emails, or messages.
Contact Your Bank
2Call your bank or credit card company immediately to report fraudulent transactions and freeze accounts if necessary.
Change Your Passwords
3Update passwords for all accounts, especially if you shared login credentials. Enable two-factor authentication.
Monitor Your Credit
4Place a fraud alert on your credit reports and monitor for suspicious activity. Consider a credit freeze.
Where to Report the Scam
Reporting helps authorities track and stop scammers. Contact these organizations to file official reports.
Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
Report fraud and identity theft
FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center
Report internet-facilitated crimes
Social Security Administration
Report Social Security number misuse
Local Police Department
File a police report for documentation
Recovery & Protection Steps
After taking immediate action, follow these steps to recover and protect yourself from future incidents.
Document Everything
Keep detailed records of all communications, transactions, and evidence related to the scam.
Notify Credit Bureaus
Contact Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion to place fraud alerts on your credit reports.
Review Account Statements
Carefully check all bank, credit card, and financial statements for unauthorized charges.
Update Security Settings
Review and strengthen security settings on all online accounts and devices.
Seek Professional Help
Consider consulting with identity theft specialists or legal professionals if needed.
Educate Yourself
Learn about common scams to protect yourself in the future and share knowledge with others.
You're Not Alone
Millions of people fall victim to scams each year. It's not your fault. What matters now is taking action to protect yourself and helping others avoid similar situations.
Additional Resources
Identity Theft Resource Center
Free assistance for identity theft victims
1-888-400-5530
AARP Fraud Watch Network
Support and resources for seniors
1-877-908-3360
Credit Bureaus
Place fraud alerts and credit freezes
Equifax, Experian, TransUnion
National Elder Fraud Hotline
Department of Justice resource
1-833-372-8311