5 Steps to Get Help After an AI Scam

Discovering you’ve been scammed by AI is a sickening feeling. Your heart drops. Your mind races. Here’s the truth: AI scams are designed by sophisticated operators who exploit trust. This isn’t your fault — but what you do next matters enormously.

Step 1: Stop the Bleeding Immediately

The first 30 minutes are critical:

• Contact your bank. Tell them you were a fraud victim. Ask them to reverse recent transactions.
• Freeze your credit. Equifax (1-800-465-7166) and TransUnion (1-877-713-3393). Free in Canada.
• Change passwords. Email first, then banking, then everything else.
• Enable 2FA everywhere. Even if they have some info, two-factor can still block them.

Step 2: Report the Crime

• Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre: 1-888-495-8501
• Local police: File a report with documentation
• FBI IC3: ic3.gov for cross-border cases
• Your bank’s fraud department: File a formal dispute
• Platforms: Report scammer profiles where they contacted you

Step 3: Document Everything

• Screenshot all messages before deleting anything
• Record dates, times, phone numbers, wallet addresses
• Save transaction IDs and confirmation numbers
• Create a timeline — this helps investigators connect your case

Step 4: Recover Your Accounts

• Set up credit monitoring (Equifax, TransUnion, Borrowell)
• Review credit reports for unauthorized accounts
• Check email forwarding rules and authorized devices
• Contact CRA if your SIN may be compromised

Step 5: Watch for Follow-Up Scams

Victim lists are traded among scammers. Be extremely suspicious of anyone contacting you offering recovery services, legal help, or tax deduction filing — these are almost always second-wave scams.

Step 6: Take Care of Yourself

Scam victims often experience shame and anxiety. Talk to someone you trust. Consider counselling. Share your story — it helps others avoid the same trap.