What to Do If You Have Been Scammed

Being targeted by a scam does not reflect your intelligence or judgment. These operations are built by professionals whose full-time job is deceiving careful, attentive people. Fraud affects people of every age, income level, and educational background.

Despite this, the U.S. Department of Justice estimates that only about 15 percent of fraud victims file a report. Many do not report due to embarrassment or the belief that nothing can be done.

Reporting is critical. It creates documentation that financial institutions and credit bureaus can use and helps law enforcement identify patterns, connect cases, and pursue those responsible. Even if money is not recovered, a report has value.

The resources listed are provided for informational and educational purposes only and do not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. Users should verify details independently before taking action.

What to Do Immediately

If you believe you have been scammed, take these steps as quickly as possible:

  • Stop all communication with the scammer

  • Contact your bank or payment provider immediately to report the transaction

  • Secure your accounts by changing passwords and enabling two-factor authentication

  • Report the scam to the appropriate authorities

  • Document what happened, including messages, emails, and transaction details

  • Time matters. Acting quickly increases the chances of limiting financial loss and preventing further damage.

How to Report AI Scams

Report scams through the following official channels:

FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center
https://www.ic3.gov

Federal Trade Commission Report Fraud portal
https://reportfraud.ftc.gov

Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General
https://oig.ssa.gov/report

Internal Revenue Service phishing reporting
https://www.irs.gov/privacy-disclosure/report-phishing

Your state attorney general via the National Association of Attorneys General
https://www.naag.org

Where to Get Help After Being Scammed

If you or someone you know has lost money to a scam, the following organizations offer support, guidance, and in some cases direct assistance.

AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline, free support for fraud victims of all ages: https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud.

The helpline number is 1-877-908-3360.

Identity Theft Resource Center, for victims of identity theft resulting from a scam: https://www.idtheftcenter.org

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, for guidance on financial fraud and recovery options: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/consumer-tools/fraud

National Elder Fraud Hotline, operated by the U.S. Department of Justice for older adults who have experienced fraud: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311) or: https://ovc.ojp.gov/program/stop-elder-fraud/providing-help-restoring-hope

Telling Others

One of the most valuable things you can do after being targeted is to tell people you trust about what happened. Fraud operations depend on silence. Sharing your experience with family members, friends, or through official reports reduces the number of additional victims the same scheme can reach.

If you have concerns about a parent, older relative, or neighbor who may have been targeted, the AARP Fraud Watch Network at https://www.aarp.org/fraud and the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-FRAUD-11 provide specialized guidance and support for older adults and their families.

Supporting Someone Who Has Been Targeted

Scam victims often experience shame, embarrassment, and self-blame, but these reactions are understandable rather than warranted. AI-powered scams are designed to deceive careful, attentive people. When helping someone, approach the situation without judgment, assist them in contacting their bank, reporting the fraud, and encourage seeking professional support if distress is significant. Remind them that reporting matters even if recovery seems unlikely, as their report contributes to preventing harm to others.

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Preventive habits reduce the risk of future scams:

Establish a family code word for emergencies to verify identity during urgent or unusual requests

Limit what you share publicly by adjusting social media privacy settings, especially for photos, videos, and voice recordings

Use two-factor authentication for email, banking, and social media accounts, preferably through an authenticator app rather than SMS

Stay informed as scam tactics evolve by following resources such as Federal Trade Commission Scam Alerts, Federal Bureau of Investigation scam and safety guidance, the AARP Fraud Watch Network, and independent cybersecurity reporting like Krebs on Security.

Sources and Further Reading

FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center: https://www.ic3.gov

Federal Trade Commission ReportFraud: https://reportfraud.ftc.gov

FTC Scam Alerts: https://consumer.ftc.gov/scam-alerts

AARP Fraud Watch Network: https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud

Identity Theft Resource Center: https://www.idtheftcenter.org

National Elder Fraud Hotline, operated by the U.S. Department of Justice for older adults who have experienced fraud: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311) or https://ovc.ojp.gov/program/stop-elder-fraud/providing-help-restoring-hope

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Fraud Resources: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/consumer-tools/fraud

Google Reverse Image Search: https://images.google.com

TinEye Reverse Image Search: https://www.tineye.com

Two Factor Auth directory: https://twofactorauth.org

Krebs on Security: https://krebsonsecurity.com

Understanding how to respond to scams is just one part of using AI responsibly. The next section, AI Ethics and Responsible Use, explores the broader landscape of AI oversight, best practices for safe use, and considerations for protecting children online.

Last Reviewed: March 2026