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⏱ Time is critical — act now
Got scammed online?Here's what you can actually do.
That sick feeling in your stomach is real. But the first 24 hours are critical — the faster you act, the better your chances of recovering your money.
3 free messages · Full recovery plan from $6
Do this in the next 60 minutes
1
Call your bank — RIGHT NOW
Tell them you've been scammed. Request an immediate freeze on the transaction. For credit cards, initiate a chargeback. For bank transfers, request a recall. The sooner you call, the higher the chance of recovery.
2
File a police report
You need an official report number for insurance claims and bank chargebacks. Do this today, not tomorrow.
3
Screenshot everything
Save all evidence: the scammer's profile, messages, emails, transaction confirmations, website URLs, phone numbers. Take screenshots NOW before they delete their accounts.
4
Report the platform
Report the scammer on whatever platform was used — WhatsApp, Instagram, Shopee, Carousell, Facebook. Flag the account and provide your police report number.
5
Check for identity theft
If you shared your NRIC, passport, or banking details, monitor your accounts closely. Consider placing a credit alert with credit bureaus.
Who to contact — by country
🇸🇬
Singapore
Police1800-255-0000
Anti-Scam Centrepolice.gov.sg/asc
ScamShield appDownload from app store
💡 Singapore Police's Anti-Scam Centre has recovered over $100M in scam proceeds since 2019.
🇲🇾
Malaysia
Police (CCID)997
Bank Negara BNMLINK1300-88-5465
MCMC Complaintsaduan.skmm.gov.my
💡 For online purchases under RM25,000, you can also file at the Tribunal for Consumer Claims (TTPM).
🇵🇭
Philippines
PNP Anti-Cybercrime0998-598-8116
NBI Cybercrime(02) 523-8231
DTI Consumer1-384
💡 Report online scams through the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group or NBI Cybercrime Division.
Can I actually get my money back?
Credit card paymentHigh
File a chargeback with your card issuer. You have 60-120 days. Success rate is high if reported quickly.
Bank transfer (same bank)Medium
If caught within hours, the bank may be able to freeze the recipient account. Call immediately.
Bank transfer (different bank)Lower
Cross-bank recalls take longer. Report to police — the Anti-Scam Centre can coordinate freezes across banks.
CryptocurrencyVery low
Crypto transactions are generally irreversible. Report to police regardless — the trail may lead to the scammer's identity.
Tell Vera what happened — how much you lost, how you paid, which country you're in. She'll give you a step-by-step recovery plan with the right contacts, deadlines, and next moves.
✓ Country-specific steps✓ Instant plan
General legal information, not legal advice. Always file a police report as your first step.