Realizing you've been scammed can be a stressful and embarrassing experience. However, it's important to act quickly and decisively to protect yourself from further harm. Here are the immediate steps you should take.

1. Stop All Contact

Immediately cease all communication with the scammer. Do not respond to any more messages, emails, or calls. Block their numbers and email addresses.

2. Contact Your Financial Institutions

If you sent money or shared financial information, contact your bank or credit card company immediately. Explain that your account has been compromised. They can freeze your accounts, stop payments, and issue new cards. The sooner you act, the better your chances of recovering funds.

3. Secure Your Online Accounts

If you shared any passwords or believe a scammer may have gained access to your device, change your passwords immediately for all important accounts (email, banking, social media). Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on every account that offers it for an extra layer of security.

4. Report the Scam

As detailed in our other guide, report the incident to the appropriate authorities like the FTC (in the US) and your local police. This is vital for law enforcement and helps protect others.