Have I Been Scammed?
Don't panic. Answer six quick questions for a private, situation-specific action plan.
What to do if you think you've been scammed
If you're thinking "I think I got scammed" or "I clicked a scam link", you are not alone. Acting quickly can reduce the damage, but use contact details you obtain independently rather than anything in the suspicious message.
Whether you gave details to a scammer, downloaded something, allowed remote access, shared an OTP, or sent a payment, the right response depends on exactly what happened. This assessment separates those exposures instead of assuming every click has the same outcome.
Not sure yet? You can look up the sender in our scam report database, analyse the full message with the scam checker, or check a suspicious IP address before deciding what to do.
Have I been scammed — Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I have actually been scammed?
You may have been scammed if you sent money, shared banking or login details, installed a remote-access app, or clicked a link and entered information. Run the checker on the original message to confirm the pattern, then follow the damage-control steps on this page.
What is the first thing to do after being scammed?
Stop talking to the scammer. Contact your bank or card issuer to freeze the transaction if possible. Change passwords on accounts whose details you shared. Then file an official report with the agency in your country listed in the global scam reporting directory.
Can I get my money back after being scammed?
Sometimes. Credit-card payments can usually be charged back. Bank transfers can occasionally be recalled if reported within minutes. Crypto payments are almost never recoverable. Never pay "recovery agents" — they are a follow-up scam.
How long do I have to report a scam?
Report as soon as possible. Banks typically have a short window for transaction recall (often hours, not days). Government scam reporting bodies accept reports any time, but earlier reports help authorities disrupt active campaigns.