I think I just got scammed. What do I do right now?
Stop contact, reach the right provider and protect any exposed accounts.
You do not have to solve this alone. Act promptly, even if you are not sure a scam took place.
If you paid, contact the service that handled the payment now. Ask if it can stop or reverse it. A refund is not certain.
Do not wait for ChatGPT to assess your story. Use the steps that match what happened.
- Stop contact and further payments. If someone has remote access, disconnect that device from the internet. Use another trusted device for the steps below.
- For a card or bank payment, contact the bank. For a payment app, wire or gift card, contact that service or issuer too. Use its known contact details.
- For crypto, contact the exchange or service used. Reversal may not be possible. For cash sent by delivery, contact the carrier at once.
- If a password was shared, use the real provider's recovery process. Change it, end other sessions and turn on two-step sign-in. Fix other accounts that reused it.
- If you installed software or gave remote access, seek verified tech help. Keep messages, dates and receipts for the provider or report.
- If identity details were exposed or used, follow the identity steps in the FTC guide below. In the U.S., IdentityTheft.gov can help with a recovery plan.
- Report the scam through the relevant authority. U.S. FTC reports help investigations; filing one does not guarantee a refund or personal reply.
Make a blank notes sheet for a scam report with date, contact method, request and payment method. Use labels only. Do not ask for passwords, card numbers or identity documents. This sheet is not a submitted report.
Paste the message into ChatGPT, then fill in any blanks before you send it. ChatGPT opens in a new tab. Opening it does not send the message.
Do not pay a stranger an upfront fee to recover lost money. Ask someone you trust to sit with you instead.
Sources and more help
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