Legal Disclaimer: This article provides general information for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. For advice specific to your situation, consult a licensed attorney in your area.
Being scammed is devastating, but you may have more options for recovery than you think. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) provides consumer protection resources and accepts fraud reports. From credit card chargebacks to civil lawsuits, understanding your legal remedies can help you recover lost money and hold fraudsters accountable.
Act Fast: Many fraud recovery options have tight deadlines. Credit card disputes must be filed within 60 days, and some bank fraud claims have even shorter windows.
Types of Fraud
Online Scams
- Fake online stores
- Non-delivery of purchased items
- Romance scams
- Tech support scams
- Phishing and account takeover
Business Fraud
- Contractor fraud
- Investment scams
- Business opportunity fraud
- Fake invoices
- Ponzi schemes
Identity Theft
- Unauthorized credit accounts
- Tax refund fraud
- Medical identity theft
- Employment fraud
Immediate Steps After Fraud
Stop Further Losses
- Freeze affected credit and debit cards
- Change passwords on compromised accounts
- Place fraud alert on credit reports
- Contact your bank immediately
- Stop any pending payments
Don't Delete Evidence: Save all communications, screenshots, receipts, and documentation. You'll need this for disputes, complaints, and potential legal action.
Document Everything
- Screenshots of websites, messages, ads
- All email communications
- Transaction records
- Phone numbers and names used
- Any tracking or shipping information
Credit Card Chargebacks
If you paid by credit card, you have strong protections:
When Chargebacks Apply
- Item not received
- Item significantly different from description
- Unauthorized transaction
- Duplicate charges
- Cancelled recurring charge still billed
How to File
- Contact your card issuer within 60 days
- Explain the fraud in detail
- Provide supporting documentation
- Card issuer investigates
- Temporary credit usually issued during investigation
Strengthening Your Claim
- Show you attempted to resolve with merchant
- Provide proof of non-delivery or defect
- Include relevant correspondence
- File promptly - don't wait
Bank and Wire Transfer Recovery
ACH and Bank Transfers
- Report immediately - hours matter
- Banks can sometimes recall funds
- File unauthorized transaction claim
- Regulation E protections may apply
Wire Transfers
Much harder to recover, but:
- Contact bank immediately (within hours if possible)
- Bank may be able to hold funds
- File FBI IC3 report for international wires
- Consider civil lawsuit if scammer identified
Peer-to-Peer Payment Apps
- Venmo, Zelle, Cash App have limited protections
- Report fraud through app immediately
- Authorized payments rarely recovered
- Bank may help if account was hacked
Reporting Fraud
Federal Reports
- FTC: ReportFraud.ftc.gov - primary fraud database
- FBI IC3: ic3.gov - internet crimes
- CFPB: Financial product complaints
- SEC: Investment fraud
State and Local
- State AG: Consumer protection division
- Police: For criminal investigation
- DA's Office: May prosecute local fraud
Platform Reports
- eBay, Amazon marketplace disputes
- Facebook Marketplace reports
- Google ads fraud reports
- PayPal buyer protection claims
Civil Legal Action
When to Sue
- You can identify the fraudster
- They have assets to collect
- Amount justifies legal costs
- Other recovery methods failed
Small Claims Court
- For amounts under state limit ($5,000-$25,000)
- No lawyer needed
- Low filing fees
- Can sue in county where fraud occurred
Civil Lawsuit
- For larger amounts
- May recover treble damages under state consumer laws
- Attorney fees often available
- Consider contingency fee attorney
State Consumer Protection Claims
Many states provide enhanced fraud remedies:
- California CLRA: Actual damages plus $1,000 minimum
- Texas DTPA: Treble damages for knowing violations
- New York GBL 349: Treble damages up to $1,000
- Massachusetts 93A: Double or treble damages
- Florida FDUTPA: Actual damages plus attorney fees
Identity Theft Recovery
Immediate Steps
- File FTC Identity Theft Report at IdentityTheft.gov
- Place fraud alert on all three credit bureaus
- Consider credit freeze
- Review credit reports for unauthorized accounts
- File police report
Disputing Fraudulent Accounts
- Send identity theft affidavit to creditors
- Dispute items with credit bureaus
- Request fraud investigation
- Fraudulent accounts must be removed
Recovery Services Warning
Beware Recovery Scams: Scammers often target fraud victims again, promising to recover lost money for an upfront fee. Legitimate recovery doesn't require upfront payment. Government agencies are free.
Preventing Future Fraud
- Use credit cards for better protection
- Verify businesses before paying
- Be skeptical of deals too good to be true
- Never wire money to strangers
- Use strong, unique passwords
- Monitor credit reports regularly
Demand Your Money Back
Generate a formal demand letter to known fraudsters or negligent businesses.
Create Your Letter