After a cyber scam: secure accounts, alert providers and keep records

Act quickly on payments and access

Contact the bank promptly through its established number if a transfer may have been fraudulent. Available recovery or recall mechanisms depend on the payment type and timing.

For a compromised account, use the provider’s official recovery process from a trusted device. Review active sessions and protect linked email accounts.

Retain useful technical material carefully

Before deleting messages or resetting a device, consider what can be preserved safely. Original emails, payment references and dated screenshots may help qualified professionals understand the incident.

Do not share confidential records publicly in an attempt to identify the culprit. Uncontrolled publication can create further privacy and security problems.

Practical checks

• Call your bank using its official contact details
• Protect exposed accounts and recovery methods
• Preserve original correspondence
• Keep a dated record of reports and replies

Make subsequent reporting straightforward

Prepare a timeline including contact dates, requested actions, payments and case references from organisations you contacted.

Vigifraude provides preventive and technical guidance only. It cannot promise recovery of funds or provide private investigations targeting individuals. In France, 17Cyber can help direct victims to appropriate services.

Related resources

Build a suitable control

Be alert to follow-up scams that offer to recover lost money in exchange for a fee.

For a technical question, software project or training request, describe the need without sending credentials or unnecessary personal data.