Scammed online? What to do now.
After an online scam the first steps matter: here is what to do in the first hours and days to protect yourself and keep important traces.
Online scam: the first 24 hours.
The first reaction is often embarrassment, but this is the moment when every minute counts. Online scams are run by professional organisations: they happen to entrepreneurs, professionals and experienced people.
Follow the steps below and then contact us: we will assess your case and tell you clearly which routes are available.
After an online scam: mistakes to avoid.
The first mistake after an online scam, above all, is paying again. For instance, scammers often ask for “taxes”, “release fees” or “anti-money-laundering checks” to return the funds. These requests are fake, and therefore every new payment is lost. The second mistake is deleting chats out of embarrassment, because those messages are the most useful evidence.
Another risk is the so-called recovery scam. Then, after a few weeks, a supposed company or lawyer contacts you and promises to recover everything for an advance fee. In most cases, in fact, it is the same organisation. So be wary of anyone who looks for you first, and always check who you are dealing with.
Finally, file a police report, also online where possible, and attach all the material. In Italy you can use the Polizia Postale portal. If the funds went to a crypto platform, read the page on fake exchanges. For a full overview, go back to the page on digital and crypto fraud.
Remember, too, that there is no reason to feel ashamed: even experienced professionals fall into these traps. So ask for help straight away, because every day counts. Also, talk to someone you trust, because it helps you make clear decisions.
Online scam: the action checklist
1 · Stop the payments
Do not pay "taxes", "fees" or "verifications" to release funds.
2 · Save the evidence
Screenshots, chats, emails, URLs, wallets, hashes, receipts and contracts.
3 · Alert your bank
Block cards and report transfers: some chargebacks have short deadlines.
4 · Secure your devices
Remove AnyDesk & co., change passwords and enable two-factor authentication.
5 · Report it
Then file a police report attaching all the material.
6 · Have the case analysed
A specialist reconstructs the flows, and then a lawyer assesses the possible actions.
How we work
Stop
No new payments.
Evidence
Collect everything.
Report
File a police report.
Analysis
Case assessment.
- Via Principe Amedeo 42A, 46100 Mantova
- +39 0376 321622
- avvocato@gioviale.com
- PEC avvocato@pec.gioviale.com
A complete path: technical, legal and tax.
For the legal side – formal notices, criminal complaints, civil and criminal actions to recover funds – we work with Studio Legale Gioviale & Partners. We handle the technical analysis and the reconstruction of the flows; the law firm takes the actions before the competent authorities.
For tax matters we work with Dott. Fabio De Angelis, chartered accountant, employment consultant and statutory auditor, an expert in tax litigation: he assesses the tax treatment of money lost or recovered and assists in any disputes with the tax authorities.
- Corso A. Gramsci 20, 00045 Genzano di Roma
- 06 9362808 · 06 9364119 FAX 06 93956751
- fdaced@tin.it
Online scam: questions.
No. Online scams are run by professional organisations and affect people of every age and level of experience. Acting quickly matters more than anything else.
To the police in the country where you live: in Italy to the Polizia Postale (also online), in the UAE to the local police e-crime services. Attach all the material you have.
Be wary of anyone who contacts you first, guarantees recovery or asks for cryptocurrency payments. It is a known scheme called a "recovery scam".
Tell us what happened.
Fill in the form or message us on WhatsApp: we assess the case and get back to you with clear guidance on the possible steps.