First step: contact the bank or payment provider
Use the number in your banking app, on your card or on the official website you type yourself. Do not call a number from the scam message.
Ask whether the payment can be stopped, reversed, disputed, frozen or traced.
Do not send more money
Scammers may claim you need to pay a fee, tax, verification amount or recovery charge to get your money back. Do not send more money to recover the first payment.
Save evidence
Keep screenshots of messages, account names, phone numbers, emails, links, receipts, transaction IDs, marketplace profiles, tracking numbers and any instructions you were given.
Secure accounts and identity
If you shared passwords, codes, card details, identity documents or allowed remote access, treat it as an account and identity risk, not only a payment issue.
Use the free checker before the next step
These free tools are a first check only. They are not a guarantee. Do not enter passwords, one-time codes, card numbers or identity documents into a checker.
Benefits and practical outcomes
Use these outcomes as a practical check on whether the advice is making the situation clearer and easier to manage.
Slower decisions under pressure
A short verification pause can stop urgency from deciding what you click, pay or share.
Independent verification
Checking through an official app, known website or saved contact reduces reliance on the suspicious message itself.
Better evidence
Keeping messages, receipts and timestamps makes it easier to explain what happened if you need help.
Clear escalation
A simple next-step plan helps you know when to contact a bank, platform, provider or hands-on support.
Example: urgency plus a link
A message says action is required immediately and includes a link for payment or sign-in. The recipient does not use the link; they open the organisation’s official app or known website and verify whether any real alert exists.
Outcome: the decision is separated from the pressure created by the message.
Can my bank get the money back?
Sometimes payments can be stopped or disputed, but it depends on payment type and timing. Contact the bank quickly.
Should I reply to the scammer?
No. Do not keep negotiating or send more money. Save evidence instead.
What if I shared ID?
Consider identity support and monitor accounts. Use the secure accounts checklist and evidence checklist.