Scammed: what to do and where to turn, step by step

If you have just realised that you transferred money to scammers or entered your details on a fake website – the most important thing is time. In some cases the bank can still stop the payment, but only if you contact it straight away.

This article is an action plan: what to do in the first minutes, on the first day and later, where to turn and what not to do.

The first minutes

1. Cut off all communication with the scammers. The Bank of Lithuania (Lietuvos bankas, LB) stresses: scammers apply psychological pressure and try to convince you that if you transfer more, you will get the earlier money back. Do not give in.
2. Call your bank or other payment service provider. In some cases financial institutions can still stop the payment. If card details have been stolen – block the card as quickly as possible.
3. Block access. If you entered login details – ask the bank to block your online banking. If you confirmed Smart-ID or Mobile-ID requests – tell the bank.
4. If you installed software at the scammers' request – turn off the internet on the device and remove the software.

The first day

1. Report to the police. The police state that if you have fallen victim to a scam you can report it via the epolicija.lt portal. In urgent cases – by calling 112.
2. Collect the evidence: screenshots, messages, emails, phone numbers, website addresses, payment confirmations, account numbers.
3. Change your passwords – email, bank, social networks. Start with email, because the others are recovered through it.
4. If it is an investment scam – also report it to LB. It can block websites offering unlawful investment services.
5. About a fake website or message notify the National Cyber Security Centre (NKSC) by email at cert@nksc.lt.

Where to turn: a short checklist

What not to do

Is it possible to get the money back

It depends on how quickly you acted and where the money went. If the transfer has not yet been executed or the funds are still in the recipient's account, the bank can sometimes hold them. If the money has already been cashed out or transferred onward, it is hard to recover, and it becomes a matter for the pre-trial investigation.

If you believe the payment was made without your consent, submit a written claim to the bank. If they disagree with the bank's reply, consumers can turn to LB, which handles disputes between consumers and financial institutions.

After the incident

• Monitor your account statements for several months.
• Set lower payment limits and notifications about transactions.
• Warn your family – scammers who have your data may contact them too.
• Share your experience. LB reminds us: falling into scammers' traps is nothing to be ashamed of, and telling your story can protect others.

Frequently asked questions