Critical First 30 Minutes After Scam Detection: 5 Emergency Actions to Minimize Losses

How Modern Scams Operate

Online fraud tactics have become increasingly sophisticated, with scammers impersonating police officers, prosecutors, judges, bank employees, or family members. They also use artificial intelligence technology to forge images and voice recordings. Their goal is to trick victims into sending money, providing personal information, and transferring assets.

Five Critical Actions in the First 30 Minutes

1. Stop All Transactions Immediately and Never Send Additional Money

Upon detecting any suspicious activity, immediately cease all communication with the suspicious party. Do not send any additional funds, provide OTP codes, passwords, bank account information, or personal data. Be particularly vigilant about requests for additional payments under the guise of "account verification," "proof of finances," "refund fees," or "account unlocking." These are tactics designed to continue extracting assets from you.

2. Contact Your Bank Immediately to Block Suspicious Transactions

If you have already transferred money or exposed account information, contact your bank through its official number or legitimate support channels immediately. Depending on your situation, you can request card freezing, temporary suspension of electronic banking services, and assistance in tracking and blocking transactions. When contacting, provide complete information about transaction times, amounts, recipient accounts, transfer receipts, and related data. The earlier you notify your bank, the better your chances of limiting losses, though early notification does not guarantee full recovery of transferred funds.

3. Change Your Passwords to Protect Against Account Takeover

Rapidly change passwords for all potentially compromised accounts, especially bank accounts, email, and social media. Simultaneously, log out of unrecognized login sessions and activate additional security authentication measures. If you have installed suspicious applications at the scammer's direction—particularly software allowing remote device control—disconnect your network, do not use the affected device for banking, and seek technical support from trustworthy organizations. Do not continue following the scammer's instructions or install software from unknown sources.

4. Preserve Evidence and Report to Police as Soon as Possible

Save all text messages, call histories, social media accounts, links, recipient account numbers, transfer receipts, images, and all communications with the scammer. Then visit your nearest police station promptly to file a report, provide information, and cooperate with official procedures. Do not delay reporting due to shame, fear, or because you believe the amount lost is insignificant.

5. Beware of Recovery Scams—A Second Wave of Fraud

After victims lose assets, scammers may contact them again, impersonating lawyers, police officers, bank employees, or fund recovery services. They promise to recover lost money, then demand upfront fees or confidential information. This is a tactic to extract additional funds from already-victimized individuals. Never send money to unknown individuals or organizations claiming they can "recover scammed funds," and never provide OTP codes, passwords, or agree to install applications based on their requests. When in doubt, verify information through official channels and report to police.

Prevention and Self-Protection

Citizens should stay informed about evolving scam methods and actively protect their personal information by following the "Three Don'ts" principle: do not click suspicious links, do not scan QR codes from unknown sources, and do not install applications from untrusted publishers. Never provide OTP codes, passwords, or security information to anyone.