Scammed? Start here.
A calm, step-by-step recovery page for Southwest Louisiana residents who paid, clicked, replied, or shared information with a scammer.
Secure the money path
Call your bank, credit union, card issuer, payment app, or wire provider. Use the official number. Ask about freezing the card/account, disputes, recalls, chargebacks, and fraud claims.
Save proof
Keep screenshots, receipts, phone numbers, emails, links, usernames, crypto wallet addresses, tracking numbers, gift card photos, and the exact timeline.
Lock accounts
Change passwords for email, banking, social media, and shopping accounts. Turn on two-factor authentication. Start with email because it unlocks everything else.
Report it
Report to SAFE Net, FTC, IC3, local law enforcement, and the agency or company being impersonated.
Where to go next
Use the right path. A Zelle scam, gift card scam, crypto transfer, and credit card charge do not recover the same way.
Card or bank transfer
Call the card issuer or bank. Ask about a dispute, fraud claim, account freeze, and new card number.
Gift card
Keep the card and receipt. Contact the gift card company immediately and ask if funds can be frozen.
Crypto
Save wallet addresses, transaction hashes, platform names, and chat logs. Report to IC3 and the platform.
Payment app
Open the app directly. Report the transaction, block the user, secure the linked bank card, and change passwords.
Check or money order
Contact the bank or issuer fast. Ask whether stop payment or fraud handling is still possible.
Identity exposed
Use IdentityTheft.gov, freeze credit, change passwords, and watch for new accounts opened in your name.
Do not pay someone who promises guaranteed recovery.
Scammers often target victims a second time by claiming they can recover stolen money. No legitimate agency will demand crypto, gift cards, wire transfers, or fees to unlock your stolen funds.
Use trusted reporting paths
Open official sites directly. Never use links sent by the scammer.