How to Recover Lost Funds
The first 24 hours are critical. Every minute counts. Follow this guide immediately.
Banks and authorities can only act on live transactions. Every hour you wait reduces recovery chances. Act now.
Step-by-Step Action Plan
Call Police Immediately
Request an emergency payment freeze
Go to your local police or dial emergency services. Ask specifically for an "emergency payment freeze" on the scammer's account. Bring your transaction receipts.
Gather & Preserve Evidence
Save everything — do not delete anything
Screenshot all chat logs (with IDs visible), transaction receipts, bank statements, scammer profile screenshots, any links or apps they sent. Export official bank records.
Contact Your Bank
Fraud department — not general customer service
Call your bank's dedicated fraud line immediately. Ask to reverse the transaction or freeze the recipient's account. For crypto transfers, contact the exchange directly.
File Official Reports
Get a case number — you will need it
Report to your country's cybercrime unit: IC3 (US), Action Fraud (UK), ReportCyber (Australia), CAFC (Canada). Retain your police case number.
Contact Adriannotech
Free forensic assessment and guidance
Our team traces the money trail, prepares court-ready evidence and liaises with exchange compliance teams. Start with a free consultation — no recovery, no fee.
No "hacker," "lawyer" or "agent" can guarantee recovery for an upfront fee. Anyone asking for payment to recover your funds is running a second scam. Only law enforcement can legally compel fund returns.
✅ DO This
- Call police immediately
- Save all screenshots & receipts
- Contact your bank's fraud dept
- Get a police case number
- Contact us for free guidance
❌ DON'T Do This
- Pay any "recovery fee" to strangers
- Trust "hackers" who promise recovery
- Keep it secret from family
- Send more money to "unlock" funds
- Delete evidence out of shame