Think you've been scammed?
Take a breath.

It happens to smart, careful people every day. Scammers do this for a living, and you're not to blame. Go through these steps in order, and pause any time.

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If someone is threatening you or you feel unsafe, call 911.

1. Stop all contact

   Hang up, stop replying, and don't send any more money, even if they promise a refund or make threats.

   If someone is controlling your computer, turn off the Wi-Fi or unplug the internet cable, then turn the computer off.

2. Call your bank or card company right away

   Use the number on the back of your card, never a number the scammer gave you. Say "I've been scammed" and ask them to stop or reverse the payment. The sooner you call, the better your chances.

   Paid another way?

   • Gift cards: call the number on the back of the card. Keep the card and the receipt.
   • Money transfer (like Western Union or MoneyGram): call the company and say it was a scam.
   • Crypto: contact the exchange or crypto ATM company and report the payment as fraud.
   • e-Transfer or bank transfer: call your bank right away and ask them to stop it.
   • Payment app (like PayPal): report it in the app and ask for a reversal.

3. Save the evidence

   Don't delete anything yet. Keep the texts, emails, receipts, phone numbers and website addresses. Write down what happened while you remember it.

4. Report it

   Reporting helps police and stops the same scam from hitting someone else.

   In Canada

   • Your local police (non-emergency line). Ask for a file number.
   • The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre: reportcyberandfraud.canada.ca or 1-888-495-8501 (Monday to Friday, 10 am to 4:45 pm Eastern).

   In the U.S.

   • Your local police.
   • The Federal Trade Commission: ReportFraud.ftc.gov

5. Protect your accounts and identity

   • Shared a password? Change it now, starting with your email and your bank. Turn on two-step login if it's offered.
   • Let someone onto your computer? Run a scan with your security software, change your passwords from a different device, and ask a trusted person or the computer maker for help.
   • Gave out your SIN (Canada)? Call Equifax Canada at 1-800-465-7166 and TransUnion Canada at 1-800-663-9980, and ask about a fraud alert on your credit file.
   • Gave out your Social Security number (U.S.)? Go to IdentityTheft.gov for a step-by-step recovery plan.

6. Watch out for a second scam

   Anyone who offers to get your money back for a fee is a scammer. Scammers often contact victims again, pretending to be police, lawyers or "recovery" companies. Never pay to recover money.

7. Tell someone you trust

   A family member, a friend or a neighbour. You have nothing to be ashamed of, and telling someone also warns them. It's often how the next person gets saved.