Raritan NJ
1-30-2026 10:17pm

What To Do If You’ve Been Scammed: A Guide To Help You Get Help and Back on Track

Scams are increasingly sophisticated, and even the most cautious people can fall victim. When it happens, quick action can limit the damage and, in some cases, help you recover lost money. This article breaks down the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) guidance into a clear, community‑friendly resource.

Check out what’s going on in your state or metro area by visiting ftc.gov/exploredata.


Understanding the Situation

Scammers use phone calls, emails, texts, and social media to trick people into sending money or sharing sensitive information. If you realize you’ve been scammed, acting fast is essential—whether you paid a scammer, shared personal information, or allowed access to your device.

1. If You Paid a Scammer

Your next steps depend on how the payment was made. In every case, contact the company or financial institution immediately and report the transaction as fraudulent.

Credit or Debit Card

  • Contact your bank or card issuer right away.
  • Report the charge as fraudulent and request a reversal.

Unauthorized Bank Transfer

  • Notify your bank immediately.
  • Ask them to reverse the unauthorized withdrawal.

Gift Cards

  • Contact the company that issued the gift card.
  • Explain that the card was used in a scam and request a refund.
  • Keep the physical card and the receipt.

Wire Transfer (Western Union, MoneyGram, Ria, etc.)

  • Call the wire transfer company and report the transfer as fraudulent.
  • Ask if they can reverse it.

Wire Transfer Through Your Bank

  • Contact your bank and report the fraudulent transfer.
  • Request a reversal.

Money Transfer Apps (Venmo, Cash App, Zelle, etc.)

  • Report the fraudulent payment through the app.
  • If the app is linked to a credit or debit card, also report the fraud to your bank.

Cryptocurrency

  • Crypto transactions are typically irreversible.
  • Still, contact the exchange or platform you used and report the fraud.
  • Ask if any action is possible.

Cash Sent by Mail

  • If mailed through the U.S. Postal Service, contact the U.S. Postal Inspection Service at 877‑876‑2455 and request a package intercept.
  • If another delivery service was used, contact them immediately.

2. If You Gave a Scammer Your Personal Information

Social Security Number

  • Visit IdentityTheft.gov for step‑by‑step guidance on monitoring and protecting your credit.

Username and Password

  • Change the password immediately.
  • If you use the same password elsewhere, change it on every account.

3. If a Scammer Accessed Your Computer or Phone

Remote Access to Your Computer

  • Update your security software.
  • Run a full scan and delete anything flagged as suspicious.
  • Then take steps to secure your personal information.

Control of Your Phone Number or Account

  • Contact your mobile service provider to regain control.
  • Change your account password.
  • Review your financial accounts for unauthorized activity and report anything suspicious.
  • Visit IdentityTheft.gov for additional steps.

4. Report the Scam

Reporting helps the FTC track patterns, build cases, and warn others.

Report scams at:

👉 ReportFraud.ftc.gov

You can also explore scam trends in New Jersey and nationwide at:
👉 ftc.gov/exploredata

Why Reporting Matters

Even if you can’t recover your money, reporting:

  • Helps protect others in Somerset County and beyond
  • Supports law enforcement investigations
  • Helps the FTC identify new scam tactics

Final Thoughts

Being scammed can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone—and quick action can make a meaningful difference. The FTC emphasizes that they will never threaten you, demand money, or instruct you to move your funds to “protect” them. Any such message is a scam.

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