0If it's happening now
Stop. Don't pay.
1Pause.Hang up or stop replying. Real problems can wait an hour.
2Verify.Call the person or company on a number you already have.
3Report.Tell someone you trust, then report it. No shame in it.
- 1Stop and hang upEnd the call or stop replying. Nobody real needs money from you in the next hour.
- 2If you paid or shared details, call your bankUse the number on the back of your card. Ask them to stop the payment and lock the account.
- 3Call someone you trustA family member or friend. Use a number you already have, not one the caller gave you.
- 4Report itReporting helps stop the next one, even if your money is gone.
If it already happened: the first 48 hours
- Call your bank or card company on the number on your card. Ask them to stop or reverse the payment and lock the account.
- Paid with gift cards? Call the gift card company on the number on the back of the card and ask them to freeze it.
- Change any password you shared, starting with email and banking.
- Gave your Social Security number? Freeze your credit with Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. It's free.
- Let someone into your computer? Turn it off and have it checked before you use it for banking.
- Write down what happened while it's fresh: numbers, names, amounts, times.
- Watch for a second call offering to recover your money for a fee. That's the same scammers.
It happens to careful, smart people every day. Telling someone is the strongest thing you can do.