Step 1 — Call your bank or e-wallet (minute 0–10)
Use the hotline printed on your card or inside the official app — never a number from the scam message or a search ad. Ask them to freeze or block the account or card, flag the transaction as fraud, and give you a reference number. If you sent money by bank transfer, ask whether they can request a hold on the receiving account.
Step 2 — Lock down your accounts (minute 10–25)
- Change passwords and PINs for the affected account, your email and any account using the same password — from a different, clean device if possible.
- Turn on app-based two-factor authentication.
- Sign out of all other sessions (most banking, e-wallet and email apps offer this).
- If you entered details on a fake page, assume they are compromised.
Step 3 — Secure your phone (minute 25–35)
- If you installed an app at the scammer's request (screen-sharing, “remote support”, an APK file), uninstall it and run your phone's security scan.
- If your phone suddenly lost signal, call your telco from another phone — that can be a sign of SIM swap.
- Ask your telco about a SIM-change lock or PIN.
Step 4 — Save the evidence (minute 35–45)
Screenshot the messages, the sender number, the website address, payment receipts and reference numbers. Don't delete the conversation until you've reported it. Write a short timeline while it's fresh.
Step 5 — Report officially (minute 45–60)
| Country | Where to report |
|---|---|
| 🇵🇭 Philippines | CICC National Anti-Scam Hotline 1326 (24/7); eReport in the eGov app to block the number; PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group or NBI for police reports. |
| 🇻🇳 Vietnam | Call 156, or text LD [number] [details] to 156; file a report with the local police (công an) if money was taken. |
| 🇹🇼 Taiwan | Call the 165 anti-fraud hotline. |
Then report it to us too — we use reports to publish warnings and to update the scam patterns in our analyzer.
Beware the second scam: “recovery” services
Victims are often contacted afterwards by people promising to recover the money for an upfront fee — sometimes posing as lawyers, hackers or government agents. Legitimate agencies don't charge to investigate. Any “recovery” offer that asks for money first is another scam.
Look after yourself
Being scammed is not a sign of stupidity — these operations are run by professionals who test their scripts on thousands of people. Tell someone you trust. Sharing what happened is also one of the most effective ways to protect your family and friends.