Just Been Scammed? Start Here — 24-48 Hour Recovery
Step-by-step recovery instructions based on what payment method was used and which country you’re in. The first 24 hours have the highest recovery rate. Don’t wait — and don’t pay anyone offering “recovery services”.
Find Your Recovery Path
BY PAYMENTCredit Card
Best oddsStrongest recovery option. Chargeback rights last 60-120 days in most countries. Reason code “fraudulent transaction” is rarely contested.
Credit card recovery →Bank Transfer / ACH / SEPA
24-72h criticalUK APP fraud now mandates 86% reimbursement. SEPA recalls work within hours. US ACH reversal needs same-day reporting.
Bank transfer recovery →Cash App / Zelle / Venmo / UPI
DifficultDesigned as irreversible. Some banks offer goodwill reimbursement for first-time victims. UK PSR rules now cover Faster Payments fraud.
P2P recovery →Wire Transfer (International)
Hours matterSWIFT international wires can sometimes be recalled within the first day if the recipient bank cooperates. Time-sensitive.
Wire recovery →Cryptocurrency
Near-impossibleCrypto is the hardest to recover. Some success when funds hit a regulated exchange — requires law-enforcement subpoena. Don’t pay “crypto recovery” services.
Crypto recovery reality →Gift Cards
Almost impossibleOnce codes are shared, funds spend within minutes. Some retailers (Amazon, Apple) have first-time-victim refund programmes — try anyway.
Gift card recovery →Critical Warning — Recovery Scams
⚠ READ THISNever Pay Anyone Offering Recovery
“Fund recovery agents”, “scam recovery lawyers”, “crypto retrievers” — the overwhelming majority are second-stage scammers targeting fresh victims. Real recovery is free.
Recovery scam warning →How to Spot a Recovery Scam
Cold contact via LinkedIn, WhatsApp, or email. Claims to have “tracked” your funds. Asks for upfront fees, “court costs” or “tax”. 100% scam pattern.
Spot the pattern →What Real Recovery Looks Like
Free. Done by your bank, the police, your country’s cyber-crime body, or a properly-regulated licensed attorney you hire yourself. Never cold contact.
Real recovery routes →If You’ve Already Paid a Recovery Scam
You’re not alone — these scams are designed to exploit desperation. Report the second-stage scam too. Apply the same 24h recovery steps.
Recover from recovery scam →Browse all Emergency Guides
Step-by-step recovery instructions for every major scam type and payment method. Take it one step at a time — and don’t hesitate to reach out if you need help finding the right guide.