Scam Victims: Where to Report and Recovery Options

Many people who lose money to a scam feel embarrassed, and that feeling can slow down the steps that matter most. Scammers are skilled at making their requests seem urgent and official. Reporting what happened helps official agencies spot patterns and warn others.

This guide covers two things: where to report the scam, and how to think about getting money back. It does not promise that any money can be recovered, because recovery depends on how you paid and how quickly you act.

Act quickly, but stay calm

If you have just sent money or shared account information, speed matters. Contact the company you used to send the money, such as your bank, card issuer, payment app, or money transfer service. Explain what happened and ask whether a payment can be stopped or reversed. The FTC's guidance on what to do if you were scammed notes that even when money is gone, it is always worth asking the company you used whether there is a way to get it back.

Scammers often ask for payment in ways that are hard to trace, such as gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or peer-to-peer payment apps. Those methods can make recovery harder, which is why the first call should happen right away.

If you gave away personal information

Some scams do not ask for money at first. They ask for a Social Security number, account login, or remote access to your computer. The FTC guidance explains the steps for each situation. If someone may have used your Social Security number, the page directs people to IdentityTheft.gov. If you gave a scammer a password, change it for that account and any other account that uses the same password, and turn on two-factor authentication where it is available. If you allowed remote access to your computer, update your security software, run a scan, and change your passwords from a device you trust.

For a broader list of scam types and warning signs, the USAGov scams and fraud page links to federal resources.

Where to report

Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. The FTC uses these reports to build cases against scammers, spot trends, and share information that helps others. Reporting does not guarantee that you will get money back, but it adds your experience to a national record.

Depending on the type of scam, you may also contact your state attorney general, your state consumer protection office, or a local police department. If the scam involved a bank account, notify the bank. If it involved a government agency impersonator, report that as well, since many agencies warn people that they will never demand payment by unusual methods.

Be careful with recovery offers

After a scam, people often receive calls or messages from companies that say they can recover the money. Some of these offers are legitimate consumer help, but others are scams aimed at people who have already been hurt. Be cautious of any company that asks for a large fee before doing any work, that guarantees the result, or that says it has special government connections.

The FTC warns that no company can guarantee a particular result in cases like these. Before you pay anyone, check whether the company is licensed, ask for a written agreement, and find out exactly what it will do. Never send a new payment to someone who contacts you about a previous scam unless you have checked them through an official source.

What recovery really means

Recovery can mean several different outcomes. Sometimes a bank reverses a payment or a card issuer credits a charge. Sometimes a company returns money after an investigation. Sometimes the scammer is stopped, but the money is not returned. In some cases, a court may enter a judgment, but collecting on that judgment can be difficult if the scammer cannot be found or has no assets.

It helps to set expectations early. A lawyer can explain which options are realistic for your case, what they may cost, and how long they may take. Ask for a plain answer about the chances of recovery before you commit.

When a lawyer may help

A lawyer may be useful when the amount lost is large, when a bank or payment company refuses to help, when the scam involves a business that might be held accountable, or when identity theft followed the scam. An attorney who handles consumer fraud can review your payment records and explain whether a civil claim or a report to the authorities is the better path.

Ask how the lawyer charges. Some consumer claims are handled on contingency, and some are billed by the hour. For background on choosing a lawyer, see our guides. Find out whether there is a consultation fee and what costs you may be responsible for even if the case does not succeed.

Questions to ask before you pay anyone

• Are you licensed to do this work in my state?
• Can you explain exactly what you will do, step by step?
• Do you charge an upfront fee, and why?
• Will you give me a written agreement before I pay?
• What outcomes are realistic in a case like mine?
• Can you tell me what you cannot do?

Frequently asked questions

Should I report a scam if I did not lose money?

Yes. Reports help agencies identify scammers even when the attempt failed. Include the phone number, website, email address, or message text.

Will reporting to the FTC get my money back?

Reporting helps the agency track fraud, but it does not guarantee a refund. Your bank or payment provider may be able to help with certain payments, so contact them as well.

Can a lawyer recover money from a scammer who is overseas?

It can be very difficult. A lawyer can explain the options, but the chances depend on where the scammer is, whether they can be located, and whether any money can be reached.

Is it safe to talk to a company that contacts me about my lost money?

Be cautious. Scammers sometimes contact past victims. Verify the company through official sources, do not pay upfront fees, and do not share account passwords.

This page is general information, not legal advice. Laws change and every case is different — talk to a licensed attorney about your situation.