Scams are everywhere—texts, emails, fake alerts, and more. Some scammers can even use technology to replicate the voice of a loved one in distress. We hear about them all the time. But what happens after the scam? Can you get your money back? What should you do next?

The truth is, recovery depends on how much was stolen, how the money was stolen, and how fast you act. And while some frauds are easier to recover from, others leave lasting emotional and financial scars. If you’ve been affected by a scam, or want to be ready just in case, here’s what recovery really looks like.

First, How to Handle Small Scams

If a small amount is stolen—maybe $10 or $500—you may have a chance to recover some or all of it, especially if you used a credit card. These frauds are often one-time events, such as fake charity donations, toll-alert scams, or fraudulent tech-support calls. They typically involve credit cards, debit cards, payment apps such as Venmo or PayPal, or gift cards.

Credit Cards Offer the Strongest Protections

If you report the fraud quickly to your card issuer or bank—ideally within 72 hours—they will likely refund the charge after a brief investigation. For instance, if a scammer uses your credit-card details to make an unauthorized online purchase and you report it promptly, your card issuer will usually reverse the charge after confirming the fraud.

Debit Cards and Payment Apps: Slower and Less Certain

Debit cards and payment apps offer limited fraud protection, so the likelihood of getting your money back is much lower than credit cards. If you report fraud quickly, your bank may reverse a debit-card charge, though it can take longer than credit-card disputes.

With payment apps such as Venmo or PayPal, refunds are rare if you authorized the payment—even under false pretenses—because these apps treat transactions like cash. Your best chance is to report the scam immediately to the app and your bank.

With Gift Cards, It’s Tough to Get Your Money Back

Scammers impersonate trusted individuals—such as family members or charities—through email, text, phone, or social media. Instead of requesting cash, they pressure victims to purchase gift cards for seemingly legitimate reasons such as paying fees or helping someone in need. Victims are then asked to share the card codes, enabling scammers to spend or resell them.

Once the card number and PIN are shared, scammers usually drain the balance immediately. Most retailers won’t refund a gift card that’s been used—even if you report the scam. Your best chance is if the card hasn’t been redeemed yet and you act fast by contacting the issuer.

Stop Identity Theft Before It Starts: Freeze Your Credit

Freezing your credit means locking your credit report so lenders can’t open new credit cards or loans in your name without your permission. This step is especially effective against identity-theft scams, where criminals try to open accounts using your personal information—for example, applying for a new credit card under your name and mailing address.

It’s free and can be done online or in the apps for Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax. After creating an account, you can freeze your credit instantly—with a single tap in the app—and lift it just as easily when you need to apply for credit.

The Biggest Mistake We See in Small-Dollar Scams: Waiting Too Long

Many people put off reporting to their bank because it feels like a hassle for “just $50” or “just $100.” But the sooner you act, the better your chances of getting your money back—especially if you used a credit card or debit card. Quick reporting can stop scammers from draining more funds and gives banks the best chance to reverse charges.

Second, How to Handle Large Scams

Scams involving thousands—or even millions—are devastating. They often involve romance scams, investment fraud, house-title theft, or courier scams, and typically use wire transfers or cryptocurrency for speed and anonymity. Once money moves, recovery is almost impossible. Banks may freeze funds if reported within hours, but scammers move fast, often across borders.

So, what can you do?

• Stop communicating with the scammer immediately
• Document everything: messages, emails, transactions
• Contact your bank and ask them to block accounts, initiate a dispute if possible, and monitor for suspicious activity
• Report the scam to www.ic3.gov and local law enforcement

Why report if recovery is unlikely?

Reporting helps law enforcement connect cases, influence policy, and protect others. In rare cases, victims recover part of their funds—but usually only when scams are reported quickly and are tied to larger investigations. It’s also important to be cautious of “recovery scams” that promise to get your money back for a fee.

Recovery scams target fraud victims by promising to retrieve stolen money for an upfront fee. Scammers often pose as law enforcement, government agencies, or recovery specialists. After the fee is paid, they disappear—no funds are recovered, and the victim has had more money stolen from them. Key warning sign: Legitimate agencies never charge upfront fees for recovery.

Most Crucial Step in Large-Dollar Scams

Facing what happened is incredibly difficult—especially when scammers use highly sophisticated tactics to build trust and keep you engaged. Stopping communication is a crucial step towards breaking the criminal’s control, but recovery really begins when you reach out for support and realize what happened to you was a crime and not a personal failure.