The Defend Foundation

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Scams & Fraud

I Sent Money to a Scammer — What Do I Do Now?

If you paid someone who turned out to be a scammer, this Guide shows who to contact first for the way you paid, how to protect your accounts, and where to report the scam.

Anyone who offers to recover your money for a fee is likely a scammer

Scammers often contact people who have lost money and offer to get it back for a fee. Government agencies and legitimate organizations never charge to help you get a refund.

Is this Guide for you?

You paid someone and now believe it was a scam. Or money left your account through someone you were dealing with, without your OK.

This Guide helps you

  • Contact the company you paid through and ask for your money back
  • Protect the accounts and details you shared
  • Report the scam
  • Spot people who offer to recover your money for a fee

You'll answer 4 short questions. Then you'll get a plan with the steps in order. Your answers stay in this browser tab. They aren't saved, and they aren't sent to Defend.

Based on guidance from Federal Trade Commission, USA.gov and Federal Bureau of Investigation. Sources last checked August 21, 2026.