AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline
Free, for any age, not just older adults. Trained fraud specialists talk through what happened and what to do next. 1-877-908-3360.
People who pick up the phone.
Official portals collect a report. They don't talk you through the panic, the shame, or what to tell your family. These services do.
IDCARE
The region's national identity and cyber support service. One-to-one case managers, not a script.
Citizens Advice & Age UK
Citizens Advice covers practical next steps for anyone; Age UK runs a dedicated line for older people and their families.
MoneyHelper
Government-backed money guidance, including what to do about debt that followed a scam.
National Debt Helpline
Free, independent financial counselling if a scam has left you with debt or cash-flow trouble.
ScamShield Helpline (1799)
Real-time advice on whether something in front of you right now is a scam, alongside official reporting.
Looking after yourself, not just the case
You are not the story of "how could you fall for that"
These are professional operations, often running dozens of targets at once with scripts refined over years. Being persuaded is not the same as being careless.
Tell someone before the "recovery agent" calls
A trusted second voice is the single best defence against the follow-up scam that targets people who already lost money.
Expect an emotional dip after the adrenaline
The practical steps end; the feelings don't. That's normal, and it's exactly what victim-support lines are built for. Use them even weeks later.
If this has hit you harder than you expected
Financial fraud is a real trauma for a lot of people. If you're feeling overwhelmed or in crisis, findahelpline.com lists free, confidential crisis lines by country.
Need the official report as well? Open the country directory. In the middle of an active loss right now? Start with the first-hour checklist.