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How-to · Consumer help

Try to recover money sent to a scammer

If you paid a scammer, ask the company used to send the payment whether it can recover the money. Recovery is uncertain.

Steps

2 steps
  1. Contact the payment provider immediatelyFor a bank transfer or Zelle payment, contact your bank or credit union; for a payment app, contact the app; for a wire transfer, contact the wire company. Ask for reversal or a refund.
  2. Report the scam to the FTCReport it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. The FTC uses reports to build cases, spot trends and educate the public.
  • How-to

    Appeal a denied National Flood Insurance Program claim

    Consumer help
    1. Ask the insurer about the denialDiscuss overlooked facts, documents or mistakes with your adjuster or insurer without missing the appeal deadline.
    2. Prepare and send the appealUse FEMA’s claim appeal form, explain the disputed issues, and attach the denial letter and supporting evidence. Follow the official page’s mail or email instructions and preserve proof of timely submission.
    CostThere is no fee to file a FEMA appeal.
    FEMA National Flood Insurance Program
  • How-to

    Block identity-theft debts from your credit reports

    Consumer help
    1. Prepare the blocking requestInclude an identity-theft report, proof of identity and a letter identifying fraudulent debts and information. IdentityTheft.gov provides a sample letter.
    2. Submit to each affected reporting companySend the request to the credit reporting companies showing the fraudulent information. Qualifying information must be blocked within four business days after receipt.
    Consumer reporting companies; CFPB guidance
  • How-to

    Challenge a checking-account report that caused a bank denial

    Consumer help
    1. Request the reportFind the reporting company’s name in the bank’s adverse-action notice. Contact that company for a free copy and check for errors.
    2. Dispute errors in writingContact the reporting company in writing. Banks and credit unions that supplied information also have duties to investigate and correct disputed errors; use the CFPB sample letters.
    3. Ask about other account optionsA different institution may use different criteria. Ask about accounts designed to avoid overdraft risks.
    Checking-account reporting companies; CFPB guidance