Recovering Lost Funds

Recovering money lost to scams depends on the payment method and how quickly you act:

·         Bank Transfers – If you sent money via bank transfer, contact your bank immediately. They may be able to reverse the transaction or freeze the account.

·         Credit Card Payments – Many credit card companies offer fraud protection. Report unauthorized charges and request a chargeback.

  • Cryptocurrency Scams – Crypto transactions are difficult to reverse, but law enforcement agencies like the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center may help. Report crypto scams at IC3.gov.
  • Peer-to-Peer Payment Apps (Zelle, Venmo, Cash App) – Some apps now investigate fraud cases and may refund stolen money. Contact the app’s customer support.

·         Gift Cards & Prepaid Debit Cards – These are harder to recover, but you can report fraud to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the card issuer.