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I fell for a tech support scam: what to do

Act quickly. Most steps take minutes

It happens to careful people. What matters now is acting quickly. Work through the parts that apply to you.

If you gave someone access to your computer

1. Update your security software and run a scan.
2. Delete any threats it finds.
3. Change your passwords, starting with email and banking, and turn on two-factor authentication.

If you paid, contact the payment company right away

• Credit or debit card: report it to your card issuer or bank and ask for a refund.
• Gift card: call the gift card company using the number on the back, say a scammer has the number and PIN, and ask for your money back. Keep the card and receipt.
• Wire transfer or bank transfer, including Zelle: tell the company or your bank that you were tricked and ask them to reverse it.
• Payment app: report it to the app and ask for a reversal.
• Cryptocurrency: contact the exchange or ATM operator, say it was fraud, and ask for a reversal. Crypto has fewer protections than cards, so act fast.

If you gave personal information

Go to IdentityTheft.gov to report it and get a personal recovery plan.

Report it

Report the scam at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. It helps law enforcement and takes a few minutes.

Sources

• FTC: What to do if you were scammed
• FTC: How to spot, avoid and report tech support scams

This guide is general information, not legal or professional advice. If money or personal information is at risk, contact your bank or card company right away.