If a Scam Just Happened: Your First Hour, 72 Hours and Two Weeks
Being scammed is a crime done to you, not a personal failure. Banks and the FBI can sometimes freeze money, but only if they hear fast. Work down this list in order.
Safety first: In danger or threatened? Call 911. Feeling hopeless or like you've lost everything? Call or text 988, free, any time. Short on rent, food or medicine? Dial 211.
The first hour
Stop all contact: Don't send more money, even if they threaten you.
Call your bank's fraud line: Use the number on the back of your card or statement. Ask for a recall, a freeze and a fraud claim.
Report to the FBI: File at IC3.gov with every transaction detail, and call your local FBI field office (Kansas City: 816-512-8200).
The first 72 hours
File a police report and write down the case number.
Call the gift card company, crypto exchange or ATM operator, or shipping carrier, with your receipts in hand.
Change passwords, turn on 2-step login, and check for remote-access apps.
Freeze your credit at Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. It's free.
Age 60 or older? Call the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-372-8311.
The first two weeks
Report to Adult Protective Services, your state attorney general and the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Ask Legal Aid or a vetted elder law attorney about bank claims.
Add a trusted contact to every bank account.
Find free support groups at aarp.org/fraudsupport.
Keep everything
Don't delete texts, voicemails, emails or call logs.
Screenshot the whole screen so the number, date and time show.
Photograph receipts, gift cards and packaging, flat and readable.
Log every call: name, date, time and reference number.
Missouri and Kansas numbers
Missouri Adult Abuse and Neglect Hotline (financial exploitation, 60+): 1-800-392-0210
Missouri Attorney General, Consumer Protection: 1-800-392-8222
Missouri Secretary of State, Securities (retirement or investment accounts): 1-800-721-7996
Kansas Protection Report Center (adult abuse and exploitation, 24/7): 1-800-922-5330
Watch for the second scam: Fake lawyers, "FBI agents" and "asset recovery" firms will offer to get your money back for a fee. No real lawyer or agency charges upfront to recover scam losses. If they contacted you first, it's a scam.
Netivo teaches online safety and scam prevention for every generation, and helps families find the right agency when something goes wrong. Netivo does not give legal or financial advice and never charges victims to recover money. Questions or want a session for your group? Email inquiry@netivo.xyz.
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