I’ve Been Scammed: What Do I Do Now?

Act fast to limit the damage. Follow this checklist based on how you were contacted:
If you...
Take these steps immediately:
Paid by Credit/Debit CardCall your bank. Ask to "Dispute the Charge" and request a new card.  Monitor your account for suspicious activity.
Shared your Social Security #Freeze your credit at AnnualCreditReport.com. This prevents scammers from opening new loans in your name.
Gave access to your ComputerDisconnect from the internet. Change all passwords from a different, secure device.  Have a professional scan for "Remote Access" software and malware.
Paid via a Payment AppCall customer service to report the issue. (See our Payment App Recovery Guide below).

 

Payment App Recovery Guide

Know your rights when using Zelle, Venmo, Cash App or ApplePay.
Unauthorized Transactions (You were hacked)

If someone logged into your account without your permission, you are protected by Federal Regulation E

  • The Law: You are generally not responsible for unauthorized transfers if you report them within two business days.
  • Action: Contact the app's customer service immediately to report the breach and request a "Provisional Credit".
Authorized Transactions (You were Tricked)

If you hit the "Send" button because you were tricked by an imposter, getting your money back is difficult, but not impossible. Call the app to report the issue right away.

App
Policy
What To Do - ASAP
ZelleZelle partner banks allow for reimbursements if the scammer impersonated a bank, government agency, or utility company. Otherwise, it is treated like cash with no refund.Contact your bank to report the incident. 
VenmoOffers purchase protection only if you tag the payment as "Goods and Services" (which charges a 2.99% fee). Personal transfers have no protection.Report the incident to Venmo.  

Contact your bank to dispute the charge.
Apple PayIf used with a credit card, you can dispute the charge. For Apple Cash, recourse is rare once the recipient accepts the funds.

Report the incident to Apple. 

For credit or debit transactions, contact your bank to dispute the charge.

Cash AppOnce the recipient accepts the money, it is irreversible. If you purchased via a linked credit or debit card, you can dispute the charge through your bank.

Report the incident to the app. 

For credit or debit transactions, contact your bank to dispute the charge.

You Are Not Alone

Scams happen to people who are smart, careful, and trying to do the right thing. Here is what San Franciscans who have been through this want you to know.
 
"When it happened to me I had no idea what to do or where to go. I just had to move on. Knowing that San Francisco is building something where people can actually get help, before and after, means the next person won't have to go through that alone. I wish I had that."
— Kamiyah S., San Francisco resident

"I knew something felt wrong during the scam but I didn't trust my instincts."
— Jonah R., retired professor and StopScams SF community advocate

"My dad called me before he clicked the link, and we caught it in time. But I kept thinking about everyone else in my community who gets messages like that and does not have someone to call."
— Pedro C., San Francisco community organizer
 
Scammers count on silence. When you are ready, sharing your story helps protect the next person it could happen to.