On a call right now with someone pressuring you? Hang up. You're allowed to.
Real police, banks, the IRS, Medicare, and Microsoft never call like this. Hanging up is safe. You can always call them back at a number you trust.
Is this a scam? Or did one already happen?
Take a breath. We'll help you figure it out — and what to do next.
Already paid or shared information? Start the recovery steps
Free, self-serve, not a commercial service
A free public guide — no signup, no payment, no appointment. Whatever you type stays in this browser tab; close it and it's gone. Not a consultation service, and not affiliated with any.
One warning before you go any further
If someone you didn't already know contacts you offering to recover the money — a "recovery agent," a "blockchain investigator," an "FBI compliance officer" — they are themselves running a scam. Recovery scammers find their targets by buying lists of confirmed victims. Block them. The plan below uses only official, free channels, and no real recovery channel will message you privately offering help.
Free, official help from a real person
If you'd like to talk to someone before filing, these are free public services. They cannot recover funds for you, but they will walk you through what to do next.
- AARP Fraud Watch Helpline — 877-908-3360. Free, 7 days/week, you do not need to be an AARP member or over 50. Trained volunteers who specialize in scam recovery guidance.
- FTC ReportFraud advisor — reportfraud.ftc.gov. After filing, the FTC sometimes connects you with a consumer- advice specialist.
- FTC IdentityTheft.gov — identitytheft.gov. Best place to start if your Social Security number, accounts, or personal information were exposed.
- FBI IC3 — ic3.gov. Federal intake for internet-enabled crime.
- CFPB — consumerfinance.gov/complaint. Use this if your bank refuses your fraud dispute.
- Your state Attorney General — naag.org/find-my-ag.
- National Elder Fraud Hotline — 833-372-8311. US Dept of Justice line for victims age 60+. Free.