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Emergency Scam Checklist

4 minute read

Use this when your hands are shaking and you need the next safe move, not a lecture.

First moves

Do these before the deep dive

  1. Get off the pressure channel: hang up, stop replying, close the chat.
  2. If money moved or payment details were shared, call the payment provider first.
  3. If a password or code was shared, secure that account from a clean device.
  4. If someone controlled your screen, disconnect that device and use another one.
Words to use

Steal this sentence

I may be dealing with fraud. I need help stopping or flagging activity on my account now.

Do not solve the whole mystery right now.

Do the next safe thing. Then the next one.

0. Break The Spell

Scammers try to keep you inside their weather system: the call, the chat, the timer, the threat, the secret.

Leave that system.

  • Hang up.
  • Stop texting.
  • Close the tab.
  • Turn off screen sharing.
  • Put the phone down for two minutes.

If it was real, it will still be real after you verify it through a safer channel.

1. Money Comes First

If money moved, or payment details were exposed, contact the payment path now.

Use the number on the card, statement, official app, or official website. Not the number in the message.

Say:

I may be dealing with fraud. I need to know what can still be stopped, reversed, disputed, or flagged.

Ask for a case number. Write it down.

2. Secure The Account They Touched

If you shared a password, login link, one-time code, reset code, or security answer:

  1. Open the real app or type the real website yourself.
  2. Change the password.
  3. Turn on two-factor authentication.
  4. Sign out of other sessions.
  5. Check recovery phone, recovery email, recent logins, and connected apps.

Start with email if email was involved. Email is the key ring.

3. If They Controlled Your Device

If you installed AnyDesk, TeamViewer, “support” software, a browser remote session, or anything that let them see or move your screen:

  1. Disconnect that device from the internet or power it off.
  2. Use a different device for banking and password changes.
  3. Write down the remote access app name.
  4. Call your bank if financial accounts were visible.

Then go to I Installed Remote Access.

4. Save Only What You Need

Do not spend an hour building a detective board. Save the basics:

  • Who contacted you.
  • Where they contacted you.
  • What they asked for.
  • What you sent or typed.
  • Payment details, receipts, codes, or transaction IDs.
  • Dates and approximate times.

Then block them.

5. Report After Stabilizing

Reports are useful. They are just not usually the first lever.

Once money, accounts, and devices are handled, use Where To Report A Scam.

If someone later says they can recover your money for a fee, treat that as a new scam until proven otherwise.