When you realise a payment may have gone to a fraudster, the first hours matter more than anything that follows. Most of the useful actions are simple and free.
Contact your bank or payment provider immediately
Ask for the transfer to be recalled or the card payment disputed. Write down the time, the name of the person you spoke to and the reference of your request. Confirm everything in writing.
Preserve the evidence
Do not delete chats, emails or apps. Take screenshots of the platform, your account balance and any messages. Export your bank statements and, for crypto-assets, note every transaction hash and wallet address.
Report to the police
A formal complaint is often required by banks and platforms before they act. Bring a written chronology and copies of your documents.
Do not pay anyone who promises to get your money back
Fraud victims are frequently contacted by "recovery agents" who ask for an upfront fee. Legitimate firms do not guarantee recovery and never ask for your passwords or seed phrase.