What to do if you think you've been scammed

First, take a breath. This happens to careful, smart people every day. Acting quickly helps, and you don't have to do it alone.

Do these first

Stop talking to the scammer. Hang up, and don't reply to their messages. Don't send any more money.
Call your bank or card company. Use the number on the back of your card. Tell them you were scammed, and ask them to stop or reverse the payment.
Paid another way? Call that company. For a gift card, call the number on the back of the card. Keep the card and receipt. For a wire transfer, payment app, or crypto, contact that company right away and ask for a refund.

If you shared a password or code

Change that password right away. If you used it anywhere else, change it there too. Start with your email and bank.
If it was your Apple Account password, change it, and make sure two-step sign-in is on. Apple calls this two-factor authentication.
Our password guide shows how to make strong passwords that your iPhone remembers for you.

If you shared your Social Security number

Go to IdentityTheft.gov, the FTC's site for identity theft. It gives you a step-by-step recovery plan.

If a scammer told you to install an app

Some scammers ask you to install an app so they can "help." Delete that app, then update your iPhone. If you gave them any passwords, change them.

Report it

Report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Reports help law enforcement go after scammers.
If you lost money, you can also report it to your local police.

Watch out for a second scam

After a scam, some people get calls offering to "recover" their money for a fee. Be very careful. Don't pay anyone who calls you promising to get your money back.

Be kind to yourself

Scammers are professionals. Talk to someone you trust about what happened. Telling family can also warn them about the same trick.

Where these steps come from

Checked in November 2026 against the official pages below, using the newest iPhone software. Your screen may look a little different, especially on an older iPhone. The official page always has the latest steps.