1. Contact the bank or payment provider immediately
Use the telephone number on the card, statement or official app—not a number supplied by the suspected fraudster. Explain that the payment followed suspected fraud and ask the provider to secure the account, review pending payments and explain any recall, chargeback or reimbursement process that may apply.
The FCA advises people who have made a payment or disclosed personal information to tell their bank immediately. The availability of reimbursement depends on the payment method, the facts and the applicable rules.
2. Protect accounts and devices
Change compromised passwords using a clean device, enable two-step verification and review email-forwarding rules and trusted devices. If remote-access software was installed, disconnect the device from the internet and obtain independent technical help before using it for banking.
3. Preserve evidence before accounts disappear
Save the website address, platform name, company details, account statements, transfer confirmations, emails, messages, telephone numbers, wallet addresses and transaction hashes. Export conversations where possible and keep original files rather than only edited screenshots.
4. Create a simple chronology
Record who contacted you, what was promised, when each payment was made and what happened when withdrawal was requested. Separate facts from assumptions. This chronology can help a bank, reporting body or lawyer understand the matter more efficiently.
5. Report through official channels
For UK financial-services scams, consult the FCA’s official reporting guidance. A person who has lost money should also use the current national fraud-reporting service identified by the FCA. People outside the UK should normally contact their local police and home-state regulator first.
6. Stop communicating through unverified channels
Do not make a further payment to release profits, pay tax, verify a wallet or fund an investigation. Independently verify every organisation through its official register and contact details.
7. Obtain a realistic case assessment
A legal assessment should examine the evidence, possible defendants, jurisdictions, asset location, cost and enforceability. It should not guarantee recovery. Urgent steps may sometimes be relevant, but only after considering proportionality and the legal basis.
This guide is general information and not legal advice for a particular case.