{"slug":"get-help/start-here","title":"If you just sent money, start here","description":"Calm, practical first steps after a suspected Zelle scam or unauthorized payment.","category":"Get help","takeaway":"Contact your bank immediately. Describe the facts, preserve evidence, and stop further payments.","minutes":4,"sections":[{"title":"1. Stop and contact your bank","paragraphs":["Stop responding to the person directing you. Open your banking app or use the number on your bank-issued card to reach the bank’s fraud team. Tell them about the suspected scam or unauthorized transaction immediately.","Ask whether the payment can be stopped, reversed, or considered for reimbursement. The FTC recommends requesting reversal and a refund. Recovery is not guaranteed."]},{"title":"2. Protect access to your accounts","paragraphs":["Tell the bank if you shared a password, verification code, device access, or personal information. Ask what steps are needed to secure the account.","Change compromised passwords from a trusted device, enable available MFA, and secure your email account. If identity information was exposed, use IdentityTheft.gov for tailored guidance."]},{"title":"3. Save a clear record","paragraphs":[],"bullets":["Record dates, amounts, recipient details, and transaction IDs.","Save messages, emails, listings, and call history.","Write down who actually initiated each payment and what you were told.","Keep the bank case number and note each follow-up.","Do not post unredacted evidence or account details publicly."]},{"title":"4. Report and follow up","paragraphs":["Reporting to law enforcement and regulators can help document what happened, but does not replace notifying your bank. Keep confirmations and ask your bank for the outcome and reasoning in writing.","You deserve clear information and support. Be wary of people contacting you with promises of paid fund recovery."]}],"sources":[{"title":"FTC: What to do if you were scammed","url":"https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/what-do-if-you-were-scammed"},{"title":"Zelle: Report a fraud or scam","url":"https://www.zelle.com/support/report-scam"}],"related":["get-help/dispute-playbook","get-help/reporting","get-help/recovery-scams"],"reviewed":"2026-10-03","url":"https://zellefraud.com/get-help/start-here","notice":"Educational information, not legal advice. Cite original sources and preserve qualifications."}