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Scam Recovery Checklist

Follow these steps in order. Each step tells you exactly what to do and where to go. Print this page and tick each box.

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STEP 1Stop the Bleeding — Freeze Everything⏱ Do this first

Freeze your cards — Call your bank's fraud line immediately. Say: "I've been scammed. Please freeze all my cards." Change your email password — Your email unlocks everything else. Use a strong, unique password. Enable 2FA — Turn on two-factor authentication on your email and banking apps. Call 159 — Stop Scams UK hotline. Diverts you to your bank's fraud team. Free.

STEP 2Document Everything

Save screenshots — Take screenshots of all messages, emails, texts, websites, and transaction records. Write down a timeline — When did you first contact the scammer? When did you send money? Every date matters. Save payment references — Bank transfer refs, transaction IDs, card numbers used, amounts. Get a crime reference number — Report to reportfraud.org.uk

STEP 3Get Your Money Back

Paid by debit card? — Raise a chargeback with your bank. 120-day limit. Paid by credit card (£100-£30k)? — Claim Section 75. Your card provider is jointly liable. 6 years. Bank transfer / APP scam? — Mandatory reimbursement. Claim within 13 months. Refund in 5 days. Bank rejected? — Escalate to Financial Ombudsman. Free. Binding on the bank.

STEP 4Protect Yourself Going Forward

Cifas Protective Registration — £25. Flags your credit file for 2 years. Check your credit report — Free at CheckYourCredit. Look for accounts you didn't open. Check haveibeenpwned.com — See if your email was in a data breach. Set up transaction alerts — Get notified when money moves on your accounts.

STEP 5Look After Yourself — You Are Not Alone

Talk to Victim Support — Free, confidential. Call 0808 1689 111 or visit victimsupport.org.uk Talk to someone — Tell a friend or family member. Breaking the silence helps. This is not your fault — Scammers are professional criminals. They trick smart people every day. Bookmark this page — cyberawareuk.co.uk/scam-recovery-checklist

🖨 This page is designed to be printed. Use Ctrl+P or Cmd+P to print. Each checkbox is interactive and will print as a checkable box.

Need more detail? See our full financial recovery guide with template letters.

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