You just realized it wasn’t really your son on the phone. Or that “CEO” on the video call wasn’t your CEO. The money is already sent.
First: Take a breath. You’re not stupid. These scams are designed by professionals using sophisticated AI, and they fool smart people every day.
Now let’s focus on limiting the damage and starting recovery.
Immediate Actions (First Hour)
1. Stop Any Ongoing Transactions
If you sent money via:
Wire transfer: Call your bank immediately. Ask for the wire fraud/recall department. Wire transfers can sometimes be recalled within 24-48 hours, but every minute counts.
Zelle/Venmo/Cash App: Contact the service’s fraud department. These are harder to reverse, but report immediately anyway.
Credit card: Call the number on the back of your card. Report the fraud. Credit cards have the best consumer protections.
Cryptocurrency: Contact the exchange if you used one. Crypto transactions are generally not reversible, but report it anyway for investigation.
Gift cards: Contact the gift card company immediately (Apple, Google, Amazon, etc.). Sometimes they can freeze the funds if caught quickly.
2. Document Everything
Before you forget details, write down:
- Exact timeline of what happened
- Phone numbers that contacted you
- Email addresses involved
- Screenshots of any messages or emails
- Names/identities the scammer claimed
- Exactly what was requested and what you provided
- How you sent money (bank, wire details, crypto wallet)
This documentation will be critical for:
- Law enforcement reports
- Bank fraud claims
- Insurance claims
- Preventing future attacks
3. Secure Your Accounts
If you shared any login credentials or personal information:
Change passwords immediately:
- Email accounts (highest priority—email often controls everything else)
- Bank and financial accounts
- Any account you mentioned or that was relevant
Enable two-factor authentication on everything you can.
Review account activity for unauthorized access.
4. Alert Your Bank/Financial Institutions
Even if you didn’t send money through them:
- Call your banks and inform them of the scam
- Request fraud alerts on your accounts
- Ask about additional security measures
- Consider a temporary freeze on accounts if significant information was shared
Reporting the Scam (First 24-48 Hours)
Reporting helps both your case and prevents others from being victimized.
Federal Reports
FTC (Federal Trade Commission):
- Website: ReportFraud.ftc.gov
- Essential for consumer protection records
FBI IC3 (Internet Crime Complaint Center):
- Website: ic3.gov
- Primary federal database for cyber crimes
- Required for many insurance claims
Secret Service (if wire fraud over $100,000):
- Contact local field office
- They investigate major financial fraud
Local Reports
Local Police:
- File a report even if they can’t investigate
- Get a case number (needed for insurance, banks)
- Some jurisdictions have cyber crime units
State Attorney General:
- Many have consumer protection divisions
- Website varies by state
If It Involved Impersonation
Report the platform:
- If a voice clone used samples from social media, report to that platform
- If deepfake video was used, report where it was distributed
- Platforms may assist with investigation
Protecting Your Identity
If you shared personal information like Social Security numbers, dates of birth, or other identifying data:
Credit Protection
Freeze your credit at all three bureaus (free):
- Equifax: equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services
- Experian: experian.com/freeze
- TransUnion: transunion.com/credit-freeze
A freeze prevents new accounts from being opened in your name.
Request free credit reports to check for unauthorized accounts:
- AnnualCreditReport.com (free weekly reports)
Consider credit monitoring:
- Services like Aura, LifeLock, or Identity Guard monitor for suspicious activity
- Many offer insurance for identity theft losses
Account Monitoring
- Set up transaction alerts on all financial accounts
- Review credit card and bank statements carefully
- Watch for small “test” charges that precede larger fraud
Financial Recovery
Bank Recovery Options
ACH transfers: May be reversible within 24-48 hours Wire transfers: Difficult but possible if caught quickly Credit cards: Strong consumer protections, most fraud is reversible Debit cards: Less protection than credit cards, but some recovery possible
Insurance
Homeowner’s/Renter’s insurance: Some policies cover fraud losses (check yours) Identity theft insurance: If you have it, file a claim Cyber insurance: Business policies often cover these losses
Tax Considerations
If you lost a significant amount, consult a tax professional. Some fraud losses may be deductible, though rules have changed in recent years.
Emotional Recovery
This matters more than people admit.
Common Reactions
- Shame and embarrassment (these are designed to fool people)
- Anger at yourself (misplaced—blame the criminals)
- Anxiety about future scams (healthy vigilance is fine; paranoia isn’t)
- Grief over lost money (legitimate loss deserves mourning)
What Helps
Talk about it. Secrecy is what scammers want. Talking to family and friends:
- Reduces shame
- Warns others
- Gets you support
Don’t blame yourself. These scams are professionally designed using sophisticated psychological manipulation and AI technology. Victims are not at fault.
Seek support if needed. If you’re struggling with the emotional aftermath, consider:
- Talking to a therapist
- AARP’s fraud victim support line: 877-908-3360
- Online communities of fraud survivors
Preventing Future Attacks
Once you’ve been targeted, you may be targeted again. Scammers sell “sucker lists” of proven victims.
Increased Vigilance
- Be extra suspicious of unexpected contacts
- Implement family code words and verification protocols
- Consider call-blocking services
Information Removal
- Review and tighten social media privacy settings
- Opt out of data broker sites (DeleteMe or similar services)
- Consider reducing your digital footprint
Family Communication
- Discuss what happened (helps warn others)
- Establish verification procedures family-wide
- Make it easy to check with each other without judgment
Recovery Timeline Checklist
Within 1 Hour:
- Stop any ongoing transactions
- Document everything you remember
- Change passwords for critical accounts
- Call your bank
Within 24 Hours:
- File FTC report
- File FBI IC3 report
- File local police report
- Freeze credit at all three bureaus
- Alert financial institutions
Within 1 Week:
- Check credit reports for unauthorized accounts
- Review insurance coverage
- Set up account monitoring
- Implement prevention measures
Ongoing:
- Monitor accounts for suspicious activity
- Follow up on reports and claims
- Talk to someone about the emotional impact
- Help warn others
Remember
Being scammed by AI-powered fraud doesn’t reflect your intelligence. These scams exploit fundamental human psychology—trust in familiar voices, respect for authority, concern for loved ones.
The scammers are criminals using sophisticated technology. The fault is entirely theirs.
Focus on recovery, protect yourself going forward, and don’t let shame prevent you from reporting and warning others.