If someone you care about already sent money

Support comes first

People who have been scammed often feel embarrassed or afraid of losing their independence. Reassure them that scammers are professionals and that acting quickly matters far more than how it happened.

Unless you hold legal authority to act, the account holder generally needs to contact the bank themselves. Offer to sit beside them, dial the number, and take notes.

Act quickly

• Call the bank’s fraud team using the number on the card or statement. Ask whether payments can be stopped or reversed and whether the case may qualify for reimbursement.
• Stop contact with the scammer. Do not send more money, even to “unlock” or recover earlier payments.
• If passwords, codes, or remote access were shared, tell the bank, change passwords from a trusted device, and remove remote-access apps.
• Write down dates, amounts, recipient details, and exactly what the person was told.

Get guided help and report

The National Elder Fraud Hotline, supported by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime, helps people 60 and older and the people who help them. Call 833-FRAUD-11 (833-372-8311), Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern. A case manager can help with federal, state, and local reports. Service is free and available in English, Spanish, and other languages.

• FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center at IC3.gov for fraud that involved the internet, email, or text.
• FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
• Adult Protective Services in their state if you suspect financial exploitation or they may not be able to protect themselves. NAPSA lists each state’s contact.
• Local police, especially if a report number would help with the bank or other agencies.

Watch for the second scam

People who have lost money are often contacted again by “recovery” services, fake investigators, or fake government agents promising to get the money back for a fee. Be skeptical of any unsolicited offer, and find help through official channels.