Discovering that you have been the victim of a scam is devastating. The emotional impact — shame, anger, disbelief — can be overwhelming. However, the actions you take in the first hours and days after realising you have been defrauded are **crucial** for your chances of recovery.

At Maple Law&Recovery, we have seen that victims who act quickly and methodically have **significantly higher recovery rates**. This comprehensive guide sets out exactly what to do when you realise you have fallen victim to online fraud.

Immediate Actions: The First 24 Hours

Step 1: Stop All Communication and Transactions

From the moment you suspect fraud, stop all contact with the scammers. Do not:

  • Send any additional money, regardless of their excuses about “taxes”, “fees” or “final payments”
  • Provide any further personal information
  • Click on any links they send you
  • Download files or software they request
  • Grant remote access to your devices

Scammers often attempt a **“recovery scam”**, where they pretend they can recover your money in exchange for upfront fees. This is just an attempt to extract more money from you. Do not fall for these follow-up scams.

Step 2: Document Everything

Thorough documentation is essential for any legal action and recovery effort. Collect and preserve:

Communication Records:

  • Screenshots of all messages (WhatsApp, Telegram, email, social networks)
  • Phone call logs with dates and times
  • Recorded conversations if available
  • Names and contact details used by the scammers

Financial Documentation:

  • Bank transfer receipts and confirmation numbers
  • Credit card statements
  • Cryptocurrency transaction IDs (TxIDs)
  • Wallet addresses to which you sent funds
  • Payment platform records (PayPal, Revolut, etc.)

Platform Evidence:

  • Screenshots of the fraudulent website or app
  • Account login details (do **not** delete the accounts for now)
  • Trading history or investment logs shown on the platform
  • Terms and conditions or contracts
  • Marketing materials or investment promises

Technical Information:

  • Website URLs and domain registration information
  • Email headers (show the full source)
  • IP addresses if available
  • Company registration numbers or business addresses provided

Create backups of all evidence in multiple locations. Use cloud storage and external drives. Evidence can disappear quickly as scammers shut down websites and delete accounts.

Step 3: Contact Your Financial Institutions Immediately

Time is critical. Contact your bank or payment provider within **24 hours** to have the best chance of recovering funds.

For Bank Transfers:

  • Immediately call your bank’s fraud department
  • Request a recall or cancellation of the transfer
  • Ask them to contact the receiving bank
  • File a formal fraud report with the bank
  • Request full transaction details for your records

For Credit Card Payments:

  • Dispute the charges immediately
  • Request a **chargeback** under consumer protection rules
  • Provide all available evidence of fraud
  • Cancel the card and request a replacement

For Cryptocurrency Transactions:

  • Contact the exchange where you bought or sent the crypto
  • Report the fraudulent wallet addresses
  • Ask them to freeze the destination addresses
  • Document all transaction IDs for blockchain analysis

For Payment Apps (PayPal, Venmo, Cash App, etc.):

  • Report the transaction as fraudulent
  • Open a dispute through the app’s resolution centre
  • Provide detailed evidence
  • Follow up in writing with customer support

Step 4: Change All Passwords and Secure Your Accounts

If you have provided login details or personal information to scammers, immediately:

  • Change **passwords** for all financial accounts
  • Enable **two-factor authentication** wherever possible
  • Change passwords for email accounts
  • Update security questions
  • Check for unauthorised access to accounts
  • Monitor accounts for any suspicious activity

Step 5: Run Security Scans

If you downloaded software or granted remote access:

  • Run full antivirus and anti-malware scans
  • Check for **keyloggers** or remote access software
  • Consider a professional IT security assessment
  • Factory-reset devices if they appear heavily compromised

Within 48 to 72 Hours: Official Reporting

Step 6: File a Report with the Police

Contact your local police station and file an official fraud report. Although local police may have limited ability to investigate international fraud, the report:

  • Creates an official record of the crime
  • Is required for insurance claims
  • May be needed for tax deductions
  • Supports legal action
  • Helps law enforcement track fraud patterns

Bring all your documentation. Ask for a copy of the report and the case reference number.

Step 7: Report to National Anti-Fraud Authorities

Submit reports to the relevant Canada authorities:

Canada:

  • **Service Info Escroqueries** (Ministry of the Interior)
  • **Signal Arnaques** (government platform)
  • **AMF** (Autorité des Marchés Financiers) – for investment fraud
  • **ACPR** (Autorité de Contrôle Prudentiel et de Résolution) – for banking fraud
  • **Cybermalveillance.gouv.fr**

Specific Regulators (depending on the case):

  • **DGCCRF** (Directorate-General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control)
  • **Banque de Canada**
  • **ANSSI** (National Cybersecurity Agency of France)
  • **Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF)**

Additional Resources:

  • **Espace Info-Énergie** (for energy-related scams)
  • **Chambre de Commerce et d’Industrie (CCI)**
  • **Victim support office**

Step 8: Report to Platform Providers

If the scam involved social networks, report it to the platforms:

  • Facebook/Instagram
  • WhatsApp
  • Telegram
  • LinkedIn
  • Dating apps

If it involved a website, also report it to Google Safe Browsing, the domain registrar, the hosting provider and security services.

Within the Week: Professional Assistance

Step 9: Contact Lawyers Specialising in Fraud Recovery

Engage legal professionals who specialise in fraud recovery. At Maple Law&Recovery, we provide:

  • **Free Initial Consultation**
  • **Evidence Analysis**
  • **Recovery Strategy**
  • **Legal Representation**
  • **International Coordination**
  • **Blockchain Tracing**
  • **Asset Freezing**

Our success rate exceeds 86% when clients contact us within 90 days of the fraud.

Step 10: Consider Credit Monitoring

  • Subscribe to credit monitoring services
  • Check your credit reports for unauthorised activity
  • Place fraud alerts if necessary

Ongoing Actions

Stay Alert to Follow-Up Scams

Be wary of “recovery” services demanding upfront fees, fake law-enforcement representatives or claims about taxes required to release funds.

Maintain Detailed Records

Keep a chronological log of every action, contact and reference number.

Follow Up Persistently

Closely follow up with banks, police reports and any requests for information.

What NOT to Do

**Do not delete evidence**. **Do not pay recovery fees**. **Do not keep it secret**. **Do not give up**. **Do not blame yourself**.

Recovery Timeline

  • **Credit card chargebacks:** 30–90 days
  • **Bank transfer recalls:** 1–4 weeks (if early)
  • **Legal action:** 3–12 months
  • **Complex international cases:** 6–18 months

Why Professional Help Matters

Expertise, resources, legal authority, persistence and experience — all of these increase the chances of recovery.

Success Stories

  • 256,000 CAD recovered from a fake crypto exchange after 8 months
  • €128,000 recovered from romance scammers via international cooperation
  • €213,000 recovered from a fraudulent broker using court orders
  • 433,000 CAD recovered from a Ponzi scheme through asset tracing

Conclusion

Quick and methodical action significantly improves the chances of recovery. Every hour counts — but it is never too late to try.

If you have been the victim of a scam, contact Maple Law&Recovery immediately for a free consultation. 24/7 helpline: +14168472913

Do not face this alone. We are here to help you recover what is yours.