Paid a Scammer With a Credit Card? What to Do Now

What to do now

1. Call the number on the back of your cardSay the charge was made to a scammer and you want to dispute it. Ask them to block the card and send a new card number.
2. Put the dispute in writingSend a written dispute to the billing error address on your statement or through the card company's secure dispute form. You have 60 days from the date the statement with the charge was sent.
3. Keep your evidenceSave screenshots of messages, emails, receipts, the website, and notes from every call with the date, time and the name of the person you spoke to.
4. Report the scamFile a report at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, and at ic3.gov if it happened online. Mention your report number in your dispute.

What to say when you call

"I am calling to dispute a charge of [amount] on [date] to [merchant name]. It was made to a scammer. I want to dispute it, block this card, and get a new card number."

Your rights

• Your liability for unauthorized use of a credit card is limited to $50 under federal law.
• You can dispute billing errors in writing within 60 days of the date the statement was sent.
• If you authorized the charge yourself because you were tricked, the card company decides the dispute. Explain clearly that it was a scam and share your evidence.

If they say no

If the card company refuses your dispute and you believe it is wrong, you can file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

Paid another way too?

• Debit card or bank account
• Zelle or bank transfer
• Venmo, Cash App or PayPal
• Wire transfer
• Gift cards
• Cryptocurrency
• Cash by mail or courier
• All steps

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