What to Do in the First 24 Hours After Being Scammed: A Senior’s Emergency Guide

Discovering you have been scammed is devastating. The shock, shame, and fear can be overwhelming. But what you do in the next 24 hours can make a significant difference in limiting your losses and potentially recovering your money.

Take a breath. You are not alone, and there are steps you can take right now.

Hour 1-2: Stop the Bleeding

If You Gave Bank Account Information

  • Call your bank immediately—use the number on the back of your card
  • Report the fraud and ask to freeze your accounts
  • Request new account numbers and debit/credit cards
  • Ask about their fraud protection policies
  • Set up alerts for any transactions

If You Sent a Wire Transfer

  • Contact the wire service immediately (Western Union, MoneyGram, or your bank)
  • Request a wire recall—time is critical as funds may still be retrievable
  • File a fraud complaint with the service
  • Get a confirmation number for your complaint

If You Paid with Gift Cards

  • Keep the cards and receipts—they are evidence
  • Call the gift card company (number on back of card)
  • Report the fraud and provide the card numbers
  • Ask if any balance remains or can be frozen

If You Gave Remote Access to Your Computer

  • Disconnect from the internet immediately
  • Shut down your computer
  • Do not use it until a professional has checked for malware
  • Change all passwords from a different, secure device

Hour 2-4: Secure Your Identity

If You Shared Your Social Security Number

  1. Place a fraud alert with one of the three credit bureaus (they must notify the others):
    • Equifax: 1-800-525-6285
    • Experian: 1-888-397-3742
    • TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289
  2. Consider a credit freeze—this prevents new accounts from being opened in your name
  3. Request free credit reports from annualcreditreport.com to check for unauthorized accounts

If You Shared Medicare/Insurance Information

  • Call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE to report the compromise
  • Contact your health insurance provider
  • Monitor statements for unauthorized medical claims

Hour 4-8: Report the Scam

Reporting serves two purposes: it may help recover your money, and it helps protect others from the same scam.

Essential Reports to File

  1. FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3):ic3.gov
    • The FBI tracks internet fraud nationally
    • Keep your complaint number for reference
  2. Federal Trade Commission:reportfraud.ftc.gov
    • The FTC shares reports with law enforcement nationwide
  3. Local police:
    • File a police report—you may need this for insurance or credit disputes
    • Get a copy of the report number
  4. State Attorney General:

Hour 8-24: Document Everything

While details are fresh, create a record of what happened:

  • Write down the timeline of how the scam unfolded
  • Save all evidence:
    • Emails and text messages
    • Phone numbers that called you
    • Websites you visited
    • Names or company names used
    • Transaction receipts and confirmation numbers
  • Screenshot any communications before they disappear
  • Record all report numbers from banks, police, and agencies

The Days Ahead: Recovery Steps

Monitor Your Accounts

  • Check bank and credit card statements daily for the next month
  • Review credit reports monthly for six months
  • Watch for unfamiliar accounts or inquiries

Beware of Recovery Scams

Warning: Scammers often target previous victims again, posing as government agents or lawyers who can “recover” your money for a fee. This is always a scam. No legitimate organization charges upfront fees to recover fraud losses.

Get Emotional Support

Being scammed is traumatic. Please remember:

  • It is not your fault. Scammers are professional criminals who manipulate people for a living.
  • You are not alone. Intelligent, educated people fall victim to scams every day.
  • Talk to someone. A trusted family member, friend, or counselor can help you process what happened.
  • National Elder Fraud Hotline: (833) 372-8311—free support and case management

Help Others by Sharing Your Story

When you are ready, consider sharing your experience to help protect others:

Your story could save someone else from the same fate.

Quick Reference: Emergency Numbers

  • National Elder Fraud Hotline: (833) 372-8311
  • FBI IC3: ic3.gov
  • FTC: reportfraud.ftc.gov
  • Equifax Fraud Alert: 1-800-525-6285
  • Medicare: 1-800-MEDICARE
  • Social Security: 1-800-772-1213

Learn How to Protect Yourself: Free Online Training

For more detailed state-specific resources: Complete Reporting Guide