What To Do in the First 10 Minutes After a Scam
The fastest actions matter most. Stop, secure your money, and preserve evidence immediately.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
First 10 minutes
- Stop communicating with the suspected scammer
- Do not send any more money or pay 'release' fees
- Call your bank or payment provider using the official number on your card
- If you shared card or login details, freeze the card and start a password reset
- If you gave remote access, disconnect the device from the internet
First 24 hours
- Change passwords for affected accounts from a clean device
- Enable strong app-based two-factor authentication
- Report to your national fraud service and keep the reference
Contact your bank or payment provider
- Tell your bank exactly what happened and when
- Ask them to attempt to stop or recall recent transfers
- Ask about card replacement and account monitoring
Evidence to preserve
- Screenshot all messages, profiles, and payment pages before anything is deleted
- Save transaction references and crypto wallet addresses
- Note names, numbers, and times
Secure your accounts and devices
- Reset passwords (start with email)
- Enable 2FA
- Review account activity and connected devices
Report it
- Report to your national fraud/cybercrime service
- Report to the platform, bank, or provider involved
- Keep any reference numbers you're given
The first few minutes after realising you've been scammed are the most valuable. Recent bank transfers can sometimes be stopped or recalled if you act immediately, and securing your accounts quickly limits further damage.
Try to stay calm. Work through the steps in order: stop contact, protect your money, secure your accounts, and preserve evidence. You do not need to have everything figured out — reporting and recovery can continue over the following hours and days.
Frequently asked questions
Can my bank reverse a payment if I act fast?
Sometimes. Recent transfers can occasionally be stopped or recalled, and card payments may be disputable. The sooner you call your bank, the better your chances.