Falling victim to an online scam can be devastating. Whether you lost money, shared personal information, or simply feel violated, it’s important to know that you’re not alone — and there are steps you can take to recover.
This guide explains what to do immediately after being scammed online, how to report fraud, and how to protect yourself from future scams.
Immediate Steps to Take If You Have Been Scammed
Stop All Contact with the Scammer
The first step is to cut communication. Do not reply to further emails, texts, or social media messages. Scammers often try to pressure victims into sending more money or revealing additional personal details. Block their contact information across all platforms.
Secure Your Accounts and Devices
If you entered personal details such as email, password, or banking information, assume they may have been compromised.
- Change all your passwords, starting with your email and financial accounts.
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for stronger security.
- Check login history on accounts like Gmail, Facebook, or banking apps to see if there’s suspicious access.
- Run a malware scan on your computer or smartphone to ensure no spyware has been installed.
For step-by-step guidance, read: How to Identify Scam Websites.
Contact Your Bank or Payment Provider
The way you paid the scammer often determines whether you can recover your money.
- Credit/Debit Card Payments: Call your bank and request a chargeback. Credit card companies like Visa and Mastercard often offer fraud protection.
- PayPal, Venmo, or Cash App: Use their dispute or buyer protection systems to report fraud.
- Wire Transfers: Contact your bank immediately to attempt a reversal, though results vary.
- Cryptocurrency Transactions: Unfortunately, these are usually irreversible. Still, report the wallet address to the exchange platform and law enforcement.
Report the Scam to Relevant Authorities
Even if you cannot recover your money, reporting the scam can help others and assist investigators in shutting down fraudulent websites.
- Nigeria: Report to the EFCC (Economic and Financial Crimes Commission) or the Nigeria Police Cybercrime Unit.
- United States: Report at FTC.gov/complaint and IC3.gov (FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center).
- United Kingdom: Submit a report to Action Fraud.
- Other Countries: Contact your national consumer protection agency or cybercrime reporting center.
You can also report scam websites to organizations like Scamwatch or post on trusted scam reporting forums to warn others.
Document Evidence of the Scam
Keep detailed records to support your case. This includes:
- Screenshots of email exchanges, text messages, or website pages.
- Transaction receipts, bank statements, or confirmation numbers.
- Website links, domain registration details, or the scammer’s social media handles.
This evidence is useful when reporting to banks, law enforcement, or consumer protection bodies.
Protect Your Identity After a Scam
If you provided sensitive information, you may be at risk of identity theft.
- Place a fraud alert or credit freeze with your local credit bureau.
- Monitor your credit score and financial activity regularly.
- Consider using an identity theft protection service if available.
For example, in the US, you can contact Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion to add fraud alerts. In Nigeria, reach out to CRC Credit Bureau or FirstCentral Credit Bureau.
Spread Awareness and Help Others
Leaving reviews on consumer protection sites or scam review blogs (like ours) helps warn others. You can also submit fake websites to Google Safe Browsing so they get flagged in search results.
If you came across a suspicious shopping site, check our collection of scam website reviews to see if it has already been reported.
Tips to Stay Safe Online and Avoid Scams
- Research unfamiliar websites before buying. Use Whois Lookup to check how old the domain is. Scam sites are often less than six months old.
- Look for contact information. Legitimate businesses provide phone numbers, addresses, and customer service details.
- Use secure payment methods. Credit cards are safer than direct bank transfers or gift cards.
- Be cautious of “too good to be true” deals, especially on electronics, fashion, or cryptocurrency investments.
- Learn from our guides: How to Identify Scam Websites and Latest Scam Website Reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I get my money back if I was scammed online?
It depends. Credit cards and PayPal offer strong buyer protection, but wire transfers and cryptocurrency are almost impossible to reverse.
2. Should I report online scams even if I lost a small amount?
Yes. Even small scams add up and reporting helps track fraud networks.
3. How can I check if a website is real or fake?
Look for clear contact details, secure HTTPS, trust badges, and customer reviews. Also, use tools like ScamAdviser. You can also read about phishing scam website that we eviewed.
4. What if I gave my bank details to a scammer?
Contact your bank immediately, change your online banking password, and enable 2FA. Monitor your account closely.
5. Can scammers hack me if I only gave them my email?
Possibly. They may attempt phishing or password reset attacks. Change your password and enable 2FA for security.
6. How do I report a scam website?
You can report fake sites to:
- Google Safe Browsing
- FTC (for US users)
- Action Fraud (for UK users)
- Your local cybercrime unit
7. How do I protect myself from being scammed again?
Stay informed, verify businesses before transactions, and read scam alerts regularly. Bookmark scam review blogs for updates.
Final Thoughts
Being scammed online can be stressful, but taking quick action will help minimize damage and protect your identity. Always:
- Secure your accounts
- Report the fraud
- Monitor your personal information
- Warn others
The best defense is knowledge. Stay updated by checking our latest scam website reviews and guides on safe online shopping.
