The Scam Exposed

Lost money to a scam › Cash by mail or courier

Sent Cash to a Scammer by Mail or Courier? What to Do

Cash is almost impossible to trace once it is delivered. If the package is still in transit, there is a small window to stop it.

Only before delivery Call before the package is delivered

What to do now

  1. Sent by the U.S. Postal Service?Call the U.S. Postal Inspection Service right away at 1-877-876-2455. For a fee, a package not yet delivered can sometimes be intercepted.
  2. Sent by FedEx or UPS?Call the carrier as soon as possible with your tracking number.
  3. Someone came to your door?If a courier collected cash or gold from your home, call your local police and ask for a report number.
  4. Report the scamFile a report at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

What to say when you call

"I mailed a package containing cash on [date] with tracking number [number]. It was a scam. I want to stop delivery of this package."

Your rights

  • Cash has no legal payment protections. The only realistic chance is stopping the package before it is delivered.

If they say no

Be careful of anyone who calls later offering to recover the cash. Read about recovery scams.

Paid another way too?

This page is general information, not legal or financial advice, and following it does not guarantee you will get your money back.

You're Safe Here. Let's Fix This Now.

If you already sent money or shared information, act fast. Follow these steps in order.

1

Call Your Bank or Card Company Immediately

Use the number on the back of your card, not any number the caller gave you. Ask them to freeze the transaction or account.

2

Call the National Elder Fraud Hotline

Free help, Monday to Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

Call 1-833-372-8311
3

Report It to the Government

File a free report at the Federal Trade Commission so they can investigate.

Go to reportfraud.ftc.gov