Were you or someone you love just scammed?

Free, step-by-step help for the next hour. It is not your fault.

Get help now Report to the FTC
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  • Nothing to buy
Your first three moves
1. StopHang up. Stop replying.
2. SecureCall your bank. Lock your accounts.
3. ReportTell the FTC and FBI.
You are not alone

Americans over 60 lost more to scams in 2025 than ever before

$7.75Blost by people over 60 in 2025
201,266complaints filed by older adults
$38,500average loss per victim
+59%increase in losses from 2024

Source: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center, 2025 report, via HousingWire.

Get help now

Tell us what happened. We'll show you what to do.

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Stop. Hang up.Do not call back any number they gave you.
How scams work

Almost every scam follows the same four steps

Spot one of these and you can stop the rest.

  1. 1

    They contact you

    A call, pop-up, text or email you didn't expect.

  2. 2

    They scare you

    A virus, a hacked account, an arrest, a family emergency.

  3. 3

    They rush you

    "Do it now." "Tell no one." "Stay on the line."

  4. 4

    They want odd payment

    Gift cards, crypto, wire transfers or cash.

Who they pretend to be

Tech supportMicrosoft, Apple, Amazon
Your bankThe "fraud department"
GovernmentSocial Security, IRS, FBI
FamilyA grandchild in trouble

Tech and customer support scams alone cost older adults $1.04 billion in 2025.

Stay safe

Three rules that stop most scams

Hang up

Anyone rushing you is a red flag. You can always call back.

Look it up yourself

Use the number on your card or the official website. Never the one they give you.

Never pay in gift cards, crypto or cash

No real company or agency asks for these.

Watch for fake "recovery" help

Scammers target victims a second time, posing as recovery firms or FBI agents who charge a fee. Real agencies never charge to recover your money.

$540M

Lost to recovery scams by older adults in 2025, FBI IC3.

Questions

Frequently asked questions

Can I get my money back?
Sometimes, if you act fast. Bank transfers and card payments have the best chance. Call your bank first. Gift cards and crypto are harder, but report them anyway.
Should I pay a company that promises to recover my money?
No. This is one of the most common follow-up scams. Real agencies like the FBI and FTC never charge a fee.
Will the FBI or FTC call me?
They will not call to demand money or ask for your bank details. If a "federal agent" asks you to pay, hang up.
Is it worth reporting if I lost a small amount, or nothing?
Yes. Every report helps investigators connect cases and warn others. Attempted scams count too.
I'm embarrassed. Do I have to tell anyone?
Scammers are professionals, and they fool careful people every day. Telling one person you trust is one of the best ways to stop it from happening again.
How can I help a parent who was scammed?
Stay calm and don't blame them. Go through the "Get help now" steps together, and help them call their bank using the number on their card.
Is this site selling anything?
No. It's free education and a guide to official help. No ads, no sign-up, nothing to buy.