Discovering that you’ve been scammed by a broker or investment platform is often overwhelming. One moment you believe you are investing, trading, or growing your savings — the next, you realize something is wrong. Accounts stop responding, withdrawals are blocked, and explanations start to sound scripted or contradictory.

If this has just happened to you, the most important thing to understand is this: what you do in the first 24–72 hours can significantly affect your chances of recovering funds or limiting further damage. Panic is natural, but unstructured action often works in favor of the scammers.

This guide explains where to start, what to do, what to avoid, and why timing matters.

Why the First 24–72 Hours Are Critical

The hours immediately after discovering fraud are strategically important. During this short window, several things are still possible:

• banks and payment providers may be able to interrupt or flag transactions;
• chargeback deadlines may still be open;
• evidence is fresh and easier to collect;
• scammers may not yet realize you are taking action.

Once time passes, money is often moved through multiple accounts, converted into crypto, or withdrawn across borders. That does not mean recovery is impossible — but it does mean options narrow.

What to Do Immediately

Start with deliberate steps. You do not need to do everything at once, but you do need to act in the right order.

Request a Withdrawal — even if it looks hopeless

The first step is to formally request a withdrawal from the broker, platform, exchange, or wallet. Even if it is already clear that the company is fraudulent and has no intention of returning funds, this step is still crucial.

Why? Because you need to show that you tried to recover your money through the company’s normal process. This creates an important record:

• you requested a withdrawal;
• you received a refusal or no response;
• you documented the company’s unwillingness to return funds.

If the company ignores you or refuses, save that response (or lack of response) as evidence. This can be essential later for chargeback or legal claims.

Stop all contact with the broker or platform

Do not argue, threaten, or ask for explanations. Any further communication may be used to manipulate you or extract more money.

Secure your personal accounts

Change passwords for:

• Email;
• online banking;
• payment services;
• crypto wallets.

Enable two-factor authentication where possible.

Preserve all evidence

Save and back up everything you can as quickly as possible. Scammers often try to erase traces by blocking access to accounts or deleting chats.

Collect:

• Emails and chat conversations;
• transaction receipts;
• screenshots of your account dashboard;
• wallet addresses and payment details;
• website pages with promises or terms.

Do not delete anything, even if it feels embarrassing or upsetting.

Contact your bank or payment provider immediately

Explain that you believe you are a victim of investment fraud. Ask about:

• transaction disputes;
• temporary account protections;
• chargeback options (if applicable).

Write down a clear timeline

Include dates, amounts, platforms used, and communication details. This will be critical later.

Typical Mistakes Caused by Panic

Many victims lose additional funds because of panic-driven decisions. Avoid these common traps:

• do not send “unlock,” “tax,” or “verification” fees — these are classic scam extensions;
• do not trust recovery agents who contact you unsolicited;
• do not move funds at the scammer’s request;
• do not assume crypto means nothing can be done;
• do not wait to “see how it plays out”.

Scammers often rely on urgency, fear, or authority to push victims into irreversible actions.

What Comes After the First 72 Hours

Once the initial shock phase passes, the focus shifts to structured recovery:

• formal complaints;
• regulatory reports;
• legal or recovery assessments;
• ongoing monitoring of accounts and identity exposure.

This is a longer process, but it builds on what you do first.

Chargeback: What It Is and Why Timing Matters

A chargeback is a formal dispute process that allows cardholders to challenge transactions under specific conditions. It does not guarantee a refund, but it can be a powerful tool when used correctly.

Chargebacks may apply if:

• you paid by debit or credit card;
• the transaction was recent;
• the service was misrepresented.

Chargeback can be done independently, but there are serious challenges:

• the amount of information is huge, and time is limited;
• many countries allow only one attempt per transaction;
• if the dispute is rejected — even for formal reasons like incorrect documents — the attempt is lost.

Because of this, most people benefit from professional chargeback support.

Why professional help matters

Chargebacks for card and payment systems are established and regulated procedures with years of precedent. However, crypto payments are more complex. Regulations are still forming, and the most effective recovery mechanisms vary by country and case. For a non-expert, it is difficult to determine what options exist and which are most effective.

This is why consulting specialists is recommended. Consultations are usually free, and you should come prepared with:

• the company name;
• the website address;
• the payment method and date;
• transaction details.

Chargeback and Financial Fraud: What Grounds Apply?

A common misconception is that “fraud” alone is a chargeback reason. In practice, the most effective basis is misrepresentation of the service.

Here are examples of valid grounds:

• the broker promised real trading but is a fake company without licensing or actual access to markets;
• the investment platform promised passive income, but has no permission to provide financial services;
• new payments are demanded that were not part of the original written agreement.

In every case, the key argument is: the service received does not match what was promised.

Final Thoughts: Regaining Control

Being scammed can make you feel powerless. Clear thinking, fast documentation, and informed action restore control. No one can promise full recovery, but the right steps taken early dramatically improve your position. Start with the basics. Time matters — but so does clarity.