Scams are becoming more popular by the day and they’re becoming more difficult to detect. Oftentimes, scams will be targeted toward specific demographics or communities. If you happen to come across a scam that is perfectly targeted toward you, it may be difficult to see through the ruse. It’s possible you’re here because you believe you’ve already been duped. What should you do if you’ve given money to a scammer? We will give you a few tips to help you try and recover your money.
Tips On Recovering Money From A Scam
- Act fast. If you truly believe you’ve given money to a scammer, the first thing you need to do is move quickly. The faster you attempt to recover your money, the better your odds are of being successful.
- How did you pay? Scammers will almost never ask you to pay via credit card because it is easy to dispute a charge and recover your money. Did you send money via one of the following?
- Wire Transfer – Wire transfers are one of the most common methods of payment that scammers ask for. It can be very difficult to recover the funds because it’s almost the same as paying cash. If you sent a wire transfer through MoneyGram or Western Union, give them a call at one of the phone numbers listed below.
- Western Union: 1 (800) 325-6000
- MoneyGram: 1 (800) MONEYGRAM (666-3947)
- Gift Card – Gift cards are probably the fastest growing form of payment that scammers will request. Keep in mind, gift cards are meant for gifts, not giving money to charity or paying for a service. If you’ve given a gift card to a scammer, try to contact the gift card company who’s card you purchased.
- Cash – Unfortunately, if you’ve given cash you’re most likely out of luck. You may be able to stop the letter in transit if you sent it via mail. If so, contact the USPS Inspection Service at (877) 876-2455 and request that your package be intercepted. It’s a long shot, but it’s possible.
- Wire Transfer – Wire transfers are one of the most common methods of payment that scammers ask for. It can be very difficult to recover the funds because it’s almost the same as paying cash. If you sent a wire transfer through MoneyGram or Western Union, give them a call at one of the phone numbers listed below.
What should you do if you’ve given money to a scammer? We hope you have a better idea now. Please think carefully before sending money. There are people looking to take advantage of your generosity. Please make sure that your good intentions end up where they belong.
