How to Get Your Money Back from a Scam
Act fast! The first 24-48 hours are critical for recovering your money.
⚡ Take These Actions NOW:
💳 Credit/Debit Card Recovery Highest Success Rate
Time Limit: 60-120 days from transaction
Step-by-Step Process:
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1
Call Your Bank Immediately
Report the fraudulent transaction. Ask to speak to the fraud department.
What to say: "I need to dispute a fraudulent transaction and initiate a chargeback."
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2
Request a Chargeback
This is your legal right under Section 75 (UK) or Regulation E (US).
Chargeback Reasons:
- Services/goods not received
- Product significantly not as described
- Duplicate charges
- Unauthorized transaction
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3
Gather Evidence
Collect all documentation to support your claim:
- Screenshots of the scam website
- Email correspondence
- Transaction receipts
- Any promises or guarantees made
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4
Submit Written Dispute
Follow up with a written dispute letter within 60 days.
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5
Monitor Your Claim
Banks must respond within 10 business days. Keep following up.
💡 Pro Tips:
- • Always request a reference number for your dispute
- • If denied, ask for the specific reason and appeal
- • Consider filing complaints with financial ombudsman if bank refuses
- • Keep all communication in writing when possible
📱 PayPal Recovery Good Success Rate
Time Limit: 180 days from transaction
PayPal Protection Process:
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1
Open Resolution Center
Log into PayPal → Resolution Center → Report a Problem
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2
Select Dispute Type
Choose: "Item not received" or "Significantly not as described"
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3
Escalate to Claim
If seller doesn't respond in 20 days, escalate to PayPal claim
⚠️ Important:
Friends & Family payments are NOT covered by buyer protection. Always use Goods & Services for purchases.
🏦 Bank Transfer Recovery Act Within 24 Hours
⏰ URGENT: Contact your bank immediately - recovery chances drop significantly after 24 hours
Immediate Actions:
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1
Call Bank's Fraud Hotline
Request immediate recall of the wire transfer
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2
File a Police Report
Get a crime reference number - banks often require this
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3
Contact Receiving Bank
If you know the receiving bank, contact their fraud department
₿ Cryptocurrency Recovery Very Difficult
Reality Check: Crypto transactions are usually irreversible
Limited Options:
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✓
Report to Exchange
If sent through an exchange, report the fraud immediately
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✓
Blockchain Analysis
Professional services can trace funds (expensive, no guarantee)
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✓
Law Enforcement
File reports with FBI IC3 (US) or Action Fraud (UK)
Recommended Crypto Investigators:
- • CipherTrace: Global blockchain analytics
- • Chainalysis: Law enforcement partnerships
- • CryptoForensic Investigators: Recovery specialists
Note: These services are expensive and offer no guarantees
⚠️ WARNING: Avoid Recovery Scams
Never pay upfront fees to companies promising to recover your money.
Be suspicious of:
- Unsolicited calls/emails offering help
- Guarantees of recovery
- Requests for personal banking details
- High-pressure tactics
- Companies with no verifiable track record
Remember: Legitimate recovery happens through your bank, payment provider, or law enforcement - not third-party companies demanding payment.
📞 Emergency Contacts
Major Card Networks
- Visa: 1-800-847-2911
- Mastercard: 1-800-627-8372
- Amex: 1-800-528-4800
- Discover: 1-800-347-2683
Payment Platforms
- PayPal: 1-888-221-1161
- Venmo: 1-855-812-4430
- Cash App: 1-800-969-1940
- Zelle: 1-844-428-8542
Report Fraud
- FBI IC3: ic3.gov
- FTC: reportfraud.ftc.gov
- Action Fraud UK: 0300 123 2040
- ACCC Australia: scamwatch.gov.au
✅ Recovery Success Tips
- 📝 Document everything with screenshots
- ⏰ Act within 24 hours for best results
- 📞 Always call before emailing
- 🔄 Be persistent - escalate if denied
- 📋 Get reference numbers for all claims
📚 Additional Resources
💙 You're Not Alone
Being scammed can feel devastating, but remember: it happens to millions of people every year. You're not stupid or careless - scammers are professional criminals using sophisticated tactics. Take action now, learn from this experience, and you'll be stronger and more aware going forward.