Wire transfer scam: how to try to recover your money

Minutes matter

The FTC says wiring money "is like sending cash. Once you send it, you usually can't get it back." The key word is usually. If the money hasn't been picked up or moved yet, the company may still stop it. So call before you do anything else.

Who to call, depending on how you sent it

• Western Union: 1-800-448-1492
• MoneyGram: 1-800-926-9400
• Ria: 1-877-443-1399. Ria has a separate line for Walmart2Walmart and Walmart2World transfers. It's listed on the FTC's wire transfer page.
• Wise: Report it right away in the Wise app (open the transfer, tap the ? icon, then Start Report) or with Wise's scam report form. Wise doesn't list a phone number for this. It says it may try to recall the money, but a recall isn't guaranteed.
• A wire from your bank: Call the fraud number on your card or statement. Ask them to recall the wire.
• Sent at a store counter: You still call the transfer company above. The store clerk can't reverse it.

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What to say

Bank wire? Ask these specific questions

1. "Can you recall this wire today?"

   Ask them to contact the receiving bank right away. The FTC says to ask whether the bank can reverse the transfer and give you your money back.

2. "Can you flag the receiving account as fraud?"

   That may stop the scammer from moving what's left.

3. "Do I need to fill out a form or affidavit?"

   Many banks ask for a written fraud statement. Do it the same day.

4. "Should I change my account number or online login?"

   If the scammer has your account details or saw your screen, the answer is often yes.

Then report it

• FTC: The FTC says if anyone demanded that you wire money, report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
• FBI IC3: File at ic3.gov. Include the bank account number or receiver name you wired to. The FBI asks for this information in its scam alerts.
• If you're 60 or older: The National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-372-8311 can help you file.
• Big losses: Also file a police report and keep the report number.

Common reasons scammers ask for a wire

• "Your grandson is in jail and needs bail." See grandparent scam.
• "Your money isn't safe. Move it to this account to protect it." The FTC says that's always a scam.
• "Pay the taxes on your prize first." Real prizes are free.
• "I'm stuck overseas and need help getting home." Common in romance scams.
• "Wire the closing costs to this new account." Real estate wire fraud. Always call your title company or agent at a number you already know.

Honest odds

If the money was already collected, it's very hard to get back. Your report still matters. It can help stop the same scammer from taking money from someone else, and it gives you a record if a refund or settlement program opens later. Be wary of anyone who contacts you claiming to be running such a program and asks for a fee.

Questions people ask