But I’ve Been Scammed! What To Do Next (A Simple, Practical Recovery Guide)
You’re not stupid. You’re not alone. And you can recover.
So you’ve just realized: I’ve been scammed.
Maybe it was an online seller who disappeared with your money. Maybe it was someone pretending to be from your bank or a fake job recruiter who asked for “processing fees.” Maybe you clicked a link, shared some details, and now things feel off.
First, breathe. You’re not the first, and sadly, you won’t be the last. Scams are increasingly sophisticated, and they catch smart, careful, well-meaning people every single day.
But here’s the good news: you can stay ahead of scammers. With the right steps, awareness, and quick action, you can protect yourself, recover, and come back stronger.
This blog post will walk you through:
- What to do immediately after being scammed
- How to report and possibly recover your money
- Ways to protect yourself from being targeted again
Let’s break it down step-by-step.
What To Do Immediately After Being Scammed
- Stop All Contact With the Scammer
As soon as you realize something’s wrong, stop responding. Block them on WhatsApp, social media, email—everywhere.
If the scam happened through a website or marketplace (like Kijiji, Facebook, or a job portal), report their profile.
🧠 Why this matters: Many scammers keep you talking so they can gather more info, delay your reaction, or trick you into sending more money.
- Write Down Everything You Remember
This might seem small, but it’s incredibly helpful. Write down:
- The name the scammer used, Phone numbers, email addresses, usernames, or websites involved
- How much money was sent and how (e.g., Interac, wire transfer, crypto)
- Screenshots or receipts of the transaction
🧠 Why this matters: You’ll need this info when reporting the fraud or disputing charges.
- Secure Your Accounts
If you clicked a suspicious link or shared personal info:
- Change your passwords right away (email, banking apps, social media, etc)
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) where possible
- Log out of devices you don’t recognize
⚠️ If you gave away sensitive info like your SIN, BVN, or NIN, you could be at risk of identity theft. Call your bank and let them know ASAP.
Can You Get Your Money Back After a Scam?
It depends on how you sent the money
- Credit/Debit Card: Call your bank immediately and ask to dispute the charge. You may be able to get your money back through a chargeback.
- Bank Transfer or Interac e-Transfer: Call your bank’s fraud department right away. If the funds haven’t been withdrawn, there’s a chance they can be reversed.
- Cash or Wire Transfer (like Western Union): Recovery is harder here, but contact the service provider quickly. Some have fraud recovery procedures.
- Cryptocurrency: Unfortunately, crypto transfers are usually final and harder to trace. Still, report the wallet address to the platform (e.g., Binance, Coinbase) and relevant authorities.
Where (and Why) You Should Report the Scam
Even if you can’t recover the money, reporting helps protect others. Authorities can sometimes freeze funds or flag repeat offenders.
If you live in Canada:
- Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre – Report online
- Your local police (especially for identity theft or large losses)
If you live in Nigeria:
- EFCC – efccnigeria.org
- Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) – For phone/SMS fraud
- Your bank – To flag your account and monitor activity
🧠 Tip: If the scam happened on a specific app (like Instagram or WhatsApp), also report the user/profile directly through the app.
What If You Gave Away Personal Info? If you shared things like:
- Your BVN or bank account details
- National ID numbers (like SIN/NIN)
- Passwords or verification codes
Take these steps:
- Notify your bank immediately
- Monitor your credit (in Canada, use Equifax or TransUnion)
- Request a fraud alert or freeze on your profile
- Watch out for new accounts or loans opened in your name
How to Emotionally Recover After a Scam
Scams don’t just take money, they take trust.
It’s okay to feel embarrassed, angry, or shaken. But remember this: scammers are professionals at what they do. Falling for one doesn’t mean you’re foolish; it means they were convincing.
Here are a few things that help:
- Talk to someone. A friend, family member, or even a fraud support group.
- Learn from it. The experience, while painful, makes you stronger and more aware.
- Stay connected. Isolation makes it easier for scammers to strike. Stay informed and alert.
How to Avoid Being Scammed Again (Or Ever)
- Be suspicious of urgency. Scammers always pressure you to “act now.”
- Double-check websites and emails. Look for odd spellings or fake domains.
- Verify before you pay. If someone asks for money, call the real organization (e.g., your bank) to confirm.
- Never send money or give personal info to someone you haven’t met in person.
- Use secure platforms. Stick with trusted services when sending money internationally (like Sendwithpaper.com).
Final Thoughts: Yes, You Can Move On From This
Being scammed is a terrible feeling, but it doesn’t have to define you. Many people go through it and many recover fully.
The key is to act quickly, protect your identity, and stay informed going forward.
Quick Recap: What To Do After a Scam
✅ Cut contact with the scammer
✅ Document everything
✅ Secure your accounts
✅ Try to recover your funds
✅ Report the incident
✅ Monitor for identity theft
✅ Learn and protect yourself
Have More Questions? We’ve got your back.
Whether you’re sending money home or looking out for loved ones, safety is key. Subscribe to the blog for more guides like this or reach out to [email protected] if you ever need help spotting a scam.
