Scammed or unsure what to do?
Find official places to report scams and practical steps to protect yourself.
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Can I get my money back after a scam?
If you were scammed online, you may wonder whether you can get your money back. Many victims assume the loss is permanent, but depending on your payment method, country, bank, and how quickly you act, there may be recovery options. Knowing what to do after online fraud—including chargeback after a scam, a fake webshop refund request, or a bank scam refund process—can improve your chances.
Recovery options by payment method
- Credit card: Often your best chance—contact your card issuer quickly to start a chargeback or payment dispute.
- PayPal or similar providers: Many platforms offer buyer protection or dispute options—open a case as soon as possible.
- Debit card: Sometimes possible depending on your bank and country—call your bank's fraud line without delay.
- Bank transfer: Harder to reverse, but still report immediately so your bank can try to block or recall funds.
- Cryptocurrency: Usually very difficult to recover—report the fraud anyway and secure any remaining accounts.
Act quickly
- Contact your bank immediately.
- Contact your card issuer or payment provider.
- Save all evidence: screenshots, emails, invoices, chats, tracking numbers, and payment confirmations.
- Report the scam to the relevant national fraud authority.
- Change passwords if login or personal details were shared.
- Monitor your bank account for further suspicious activity.
Refund and recovery options differ by country, bank, payment method, and how quickly the fraud is reported. Fraudly cannot guarantee recovery, but contacting your bank or payment provider quickly may improve your chances.
This is general guidance only—not legal or financial advice.
Learn which scams are common in your country in our regional Fraudly Intelligence guides.
Most Common Online Scams
Learn how common scams work, when to be extra careful, and how to check suspicious links with Fraudly before you pay—Fraudly is guidance, not a guarantee or substitute for official reporting.
Phishing Emails
Fake emails that steal passwords, payment details, or install malware.
Read guideFake Webshops
Copycat stores that take your money and never ship—or steal card details.
Read guideBank Impersonation Scams
Fraudsters pretend to be your bank to authorise transfers or steal login codes.
Read guideWhatsApp Scams
Messages from “family,” “bosses,” or strangers pushing urgent payments or codes.
Read guideMarketplace Scams
Fake buyers and sellers on classifieds and marketplaces targeting your money or goods.
Read guideParcel Delivery Scams
SMS or email claiming you owe a delivery fee or must reschedule a parcel.
Read guideFake Invoice Scams
Modified bank details on invoices or entirely fabricated bills from “suppliers.”
Read guideCrypto Investment Scams
Promises of guaranteed returns via apps, Telegram groups, or fake exchanges.
Read guideTech Support Scams
Fake Microsoft or Apple alerts demanding remote access or payment to “fix” your device.
Read guideQR Code Scams
Stickered-over parking meters, fake menus, and SMS QR codes that open phishing sites.
Read guide
Check a website before you pay
Paste a shop or payment link into Fraudly's free checker—get trust signals before you share card details or log in.
Check a website before you payFraudly is not a law enforcement agency. We provide informational guidance and links to official reporting organisations.
Related Fraudly resources
- Website scam checkerRun a free URL check for trust signals, scam patterns, and plain-language risk context.
- Scam awareness certificateTest your scam detection skills and earn a shareable Fraudly certificate.
- Download Fraudly appGet the iOS app or Chrome extension for on-the-go website trust checks.
- Fraudly PremiumDeep Scan and Live Protection in Chrome—website scans stay free.
- Scam alertsPublished threat alerts with context on emerging phishing and scam campaigns.
- Intelligence HubEditorial guides on fake webshops, phishing, and warning signs before you pay or log in.