Act quickly, but calmly
If you have just realised you have been scammed, the most important thing is to act quickly without panicking.
1. Contact your bank or payment provider
Call the number on the back of your card or on the official website. Ask them to stop or recall pending payments and to flag the transaction as fraud.
2. Stop all further payments
Do not send more money — even if you are told it is a "release fee", tax or verification charge.
3. Secure your accounts
Change passwords, enable two-factor authentication and check for unknown devices.
4. Preserve evidence
Keep screenshots, emails, transaction IDs, wallet addresses, website links and usernames.
5. Report it
Report to local police and the relevant financial regulator or cybercrime unit in your country.
6. Beware of recovery scams
Fraudsters often target victims again, claiming they can recover your money for an upfront fee. Legitimate organisations never guarantee recovery.