What to Do If You Already Paid a Debt Relief Scam
Already paid a debt relief or credit repair scam? Take these steps now to stop the bleeding, try to recover money, and protect your identity.
If you’ve realized too late that you paid a scam, don’t panic and don’t blame yourself — these operations are designed to fool careful people. Here’s what to do right now to limit the damage.
Act in the first 24–48 hours
- Stop all further payments. Cancel any recurring charges or automatic withdrawals you set up.
- Contact your bank or card issuer. Ask about a chargeback or dispute, especially if you paid by credit or debit card. The sooner you call, the better your odds.
- Document everything. Save contracts, emails, texts, receipts, and notes on phone calls.
If you shared sensitive information
If you gave out a password, bank login, full SSN, or your FSA ID, change those passwords immediately, enable two-factor authentication, and consider a fraud alert or credit freeze with the credit bureaus. Watch your accounts for unauthorized activity.
Report it
- FTC — report fraud at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
- CFPB — file a complaint about the company.
- Your state attorney general — many have restitution programs.
- The credit bureaus — if the scam touched your credit or identity.
Reporting won’t always recover your money, but regulators have returned funds to victims in past enforcement cases, and your report can help stop the operation.
Watch for the “recovery scam” double-hit
Scammers sometimes target previous victims again, posing as someone who can “recover” your lost money for a fee. Never pay upfront for recovery help — that’s a second scam.
Then get back on track — for free
You don’t need to pay anyone to rebuild. Use our free tools to dispute errors, build a budget, and make a 90-day plan.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get my money back after a debt relief scam?
Sometimes. Contact your bank or card issuer about a chargeback as soon as possible, and report the scam to the FTC, CFPB, and your state attorney general. Regulators have returned funds to victims in some enforcement actions, though recovery isn’t guaranteed.
What should I do first if I paid a scam?
Stop any further or recurring payments, contact your bank or card issuer about disputing the charge, and document everything — contracts, messages, and receipts.
What is a recovery scam?
It’s a follow-up scam where fraudsters contact previous victims pretending they can recover the lost money for an upfront fee. Never pay upfront for recovery help.