Can you get money back after a scam? It depends how you paid

The honest picture

Scammers ask for gift cards, wires, payment apps, and crypto because those are hard to reverse. That doesn't mean you should give up. Payments are sometimes stopped when people call within minutes or hours. Call first, then read on.

Credit card: best odds

1. Call the card company now

   Use the number on the back of the card. Report fraud and ask them to reverse the charge.

2. Dispute in writing if needed

   Under federal law, your written dispute must reach the card company within 60 days after the first bill with the charge was sent. Your liability for unauthorized charges is limited to $50.

3. Ask for a new card

   The scammer has the number, so get it replaced.

Free recovery checklist

Get the step-by-step plan in your inbox

Email addressEmail me the checklist

The printable C.A.L.M. checklist and who to call. No sales pitch. Or open the checklist now (PDF).

Debit card: good odds if you're fast

1. Call your bank right away

   If you report unauthorized debit card charges within two business days, you're responsible for no more than $50. After that, it can go up to $500. If you wait more than 60 days after your statement is sent, you could lose more.

2. Know the gray area

   These limits are for charges you didn't make or allow. If you were tricked into making the payment yourself, the bank may treat it differently. Ask anyway, and explain you were deceived.

Zelle or bank transfer: hard, but ask

• Call your bank right away, not Zelle. Zelle runs through your bank. Ask them to stop or recall the payment.
• If the money went to the scammer's account at another bank, ask your bank to contact that bank.
• The FTC warns that if you're tricked into moving money yourself, you may not be protected and probably won't get it back. Still, some banks do refund some scams, especially when the scammer pretended to be the bank. Policies vary, so ask directly and ask for a claim number.
• You can also report it to Zelle at zelle.com/support/report-scam.

Venmo or Cash App: hard

• Report it in the app and ask them to reverse the payment. Venmo: 1-855-812-4430. Cash App: 1-800-969-1940, or in the app under your profile, then Support.
• If the app was linked to a credit card, also call the card company. You may have more protection there.
• Payments to strangers are often treated as authorized. Refunds are not guaranteed.

Wire transfer: call within minutes

• Western Union: 1-800-448-1492. MoneyGram: 1-800-926-9400. Ria: 1-877-443-1399. Tell them a scammer tricked you and ask them to stop and refund the transfer.
• For a wire from your bank, call your bank's fraud line right away and ask them to recall it.
• If the money hasn't been picked up yet, it may be stopped. Once it's collected, it's very hard to get back.

Gift cards: call the card company, even if it's been a while

• Call the company that issued the card. Tell them a scammer tricked you into giving the number and PIN. Ask for a refund.
• Keep the card and the receipt.
• Numbers: Amazon 1-888-280-4331, Apple 1-800-275-2273, Best Buy 1-888-237-8289, Target 1-800-544-2943, Walmart 1-888-537-5503. More on our fraud phone numbers page and at ftc.gov/giftcards.
• If the money is still on the card, the company may be able to freeze it. If it's been spent, refunds are rare, but report it anyway.

Crypto or Bitcoin ATM: very hard

• Contact the crypto exchange or ATM operator right away. The operator's contact is usually on the machine or the receipt. Tell them it was fraud and ask them to reverse it.
• Crypto payments don't have the same legal protections as credit and debit cards.
• File a report at ic3.gov with the transaction details, wallet address, and receipts.
• Some states have passed laws on crypto ATMs. Check with your state attorney general's office about what applies where you live.
• Be very careful of anyone offering to trace or recover your crypto. Read crypto recovery services are scams.

Cash or check sent by mail or courier

• Cash by US mail: Call the US Postal Inspection Service right away at 1-877-876-2455. For a fee, they may be able to intercept a domestic package that hasn't been delivered yet.
• FedEx or UPS: Call the carrier as soon as possible and ask them to stop the package.
• Check: Call your bank and ask about a stop payment. This only works before the check is cashed, and there's usually a fee.
• Cash handed to a courier: Call your local police right away. If the courier is coming back, call 911.

Whatever you used, also do this

• Report to ReportFraud.ftc.gov, and to ic3.gov for online scams.
• If you're 60 or older, call the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-372-8311 for help with reporting.
• Keep every receipt, screenshot, and claim number.
• Use the scam help tool for a step-by-step plan.

Questions people ask