What should I do if I paid a job scammer?
US rules and agencies as of 30 Oct 2026. Official links checked on 30 October 2026.
If you paid a job scammer, contact the company you used to send the money right away and ask to reverse the transaction, as the FTC advises. Then report the fraud at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and IC3, protect your identity if you shared personal data, and stop all further payments. Recovery is not guaranteed, but speed helps.
First hour
- Stop paying. A demand for more money to release what you paid is part of the scam.
- Contact your bank, card issuer or payment app. Say it was fraud and ask whether the transaction can be reversed. For a deposited fake check, tell the bank before spending anything.
- Save evidence. Screenshots, emails, phone numbers, receipts, wallet addresses.
- Change passwords on any account you shared, starting with email and banking, and turn on any extra sign-in protection the service offers.
Same day
- Report at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
- If the loss was online, file with the FBI IC3.
- If you shared SSN, ID or bank details, report at IdentityTheft.gov and consider a credit freeze or fraud alert.
- Report the posting where you found it. On LiveRec, use Report job.
Next weeks
Check your bank and credit reports for activity you do not recognize. Expect "recovery" offers that ask for an upfront fee; they are a second scam. Do not pay anyone who promises to get your money back.
By payment method: what the FTC says
| How you paid | What to do |
|---|---|
| Credit card | Report it to the card issuer immediately using the number on the card, and ask for a refund |
| Debit card | Report it to your bank or credit union immediately and ask for a refund |
| Wire transfer | Report it to the wire company immediately, say you were tricked, and ask for a refund |
| Gift card | Contact the card issuer immediately, say a scammer has the card number and PIN, ask for a refund, keep the card and receipt |
| Cryptocurrency | Contact the exchange or ATM operator immediately, say it was fraudulent, ask them to reverse it, then report to the FTC |
| Payment app | Report it to the app immediately and ask to reverse the payment |
| Cash sent by mail | Contact the US Postal Inspection Service immediately; the FTC notes it may be able to intercept an undelivered domestic package |
The FTC's guidance does not promise recovery. Success depends on how you paid and how quickly you act.
If you shared personal information
The FTC says that if a scammer used your Social Security number, report it at IdentityTheft.gov and follow the recovery plan. A credit freeze blocks new credit accounts in your name and is free. A fraud alert asks lenders to verify your identity and is also free. See SSN requests.
If a scammer had access to your accounts or device
If you can still log in, create a new strong password and turn on two-factor authentication. Change the password on any other account where you reused it. If a scammer had access to your phone or computer, update your security software, run a scan and delete anything it flags.
Common mistakes
- Waiting a few days to see if the "employer" replies.
- Paying a second fee to release the first.
- Hiring a "recovery" service that charges upfront.
- Deleting evidence.
FAQ
I sent gift cards. Can I do anything? Report to the gift card company and the FTC as soon as possible. Success varies.
Should I tell my employer? If you used a work account or device, yes, so your IT team can secure it.
More: task scams, fake check fraud, SSN requests.
Should I change my passwords after a job scam? Yes, for any account you shared and any account that uses the same password. Turn on two-factor authentication where offered.
What if I paid with cryptocurrency? Contact the exchange or ATM operator right away and ask them to reverse it. The FTC notes crypto has fewer legal protections.
Sources
- FTC, Job scams: https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/job-scams (accessed 30 Oct 2026)
- FTC, ReportFraud: https://reportfraud.ftc.gov (accessed 30 Oct 2026)
- FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3): https://www.ic3.gov (accessed 30 Oct 2026)
- FTC, IdentityTheft.gov: https://www.identitytheft.gov (accessed 30 Oct 2026)
- FTC, Identity theft: https://consumer.ftc.gov/identity-theft-and-online-security/identity-theft (accessed 30 Oct 2026)
- FTC, What To Do if You Were Scammed: https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/what-do-if-you-were-scammed (accessed 31 October 2026)
- FTC, What to know about credit freezes and fraud alerts: https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/what-know-about-credit-freezes-fraud-alerts (accessed 31 October 2026)
Next step: How to report.
This is general information, not legal, tax or immigration advice. Rules change and your situation may differ. Consult a licensed attorney or qualified adviser.