What To Do If You Wired Money to a Scammer

Wire fraud is the most devastating payment scam because transfers feel permanent. But there is a narrow window — sometimes just hours — where a recall is possible. Every minute counts.

Step 1: Call Your Bank Right Now

Call your bank's wire transfer department — not general customer service — and say: "I need to report a fraudulent wire transfer and request an immediate recall."

Have ready: the wire amount, destination bank name, date of transfer, and your wire confirmation number. Ask them to initiate a SWIFT recall message immediately.

Step 2: File with the FBI

Go to ic3.gov and file an Internet Crime Complaint immediately. The FBI's IC3 has a specialized team for wire fraud and the authority to issue emergency freeze requests to financial institutions. For losses over $50,000, they may take direct action — but only with early, detailed reports.

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Step 3: File a CFPB Complaint

Go to consumerfinance.gov/complaint and file against your bank. Banks must formally respond to CFPB complaints within 15 days. Even if your bank says no initially, a CFPB complaint triggers a mandatory second review.

Step 4: Report to the FTC

File at reportfraud.ftc.gov. This creates an official federal record supporting your bank dispute and any legal action.

What About Large Losses?

For wire fraud over $5,000, consider consulting an attorney who specializes in fraud recovery. Blockchain forensics firms can sometimes trace wire movement. Many fraud attorneys work on contingency for large cases, meaning no upfront cost.

Realistic Expectations

Wire recall success drops sharply after 24 hours. International wires are significantly harder to recall than domestic. That said, filing all reports creates the legal paper trail needed for bank disputes, insurance claims, and civil action — regardless of direct recovery prospects.