Being scammed abroad is stressful, but acting quickly and methodically can help you recover your money and protect yourself from further harm. Follow these six steps in order.
Your first priority is your physical safety. Move to a public, well-lit area. Do not confront the scammer — most scams are non-violent, and confrontation can escalate the situation.
Write down or record: the time and location, a description of the scammer(s), what happened, how much money was involved, and any witnesses. Take photos of the location. This documentation is essential for police reports and insurance claims.
If your card details were compromised or money was taken from your account, call your bank's emergency number immediately. Ask them to freeze your card and initiate a chargeback. Most banks have 24/7 emergency lines for international travelers.
Most major tourist destinations have a dedicated tourist police unit. File a report — you will need the report number for your travel insurance claim. In many countries, you can file online or at a police station.
Call your travel insurance provider's emergency line. Most policies cover scam losses, stolen belongings, and emergency assistance. Have your policy number, the police report number, and your documentation ready.
If your passport was stolen, or if you need emergency assistance (emergency funds, legal help), contact your country's embassy or consulate. They can issue emergency travel documents and provide a list of local lawyers.
Travel insurance can cover scam losses, stolen belongings, emergency medical costs, and trip cancellation. If you don't have it yet, get it before your next trip.
Compare travel insurance options →| Country | Tourist Police | General Emergency |
|---|---|---|
| Thailand | 1155 | 191 |
| France | 3430 (Paris) | 17 |
| Italy | 06 4686 (Rome) | 113 |
| Spain | 902 102 112 | 112 |
| Turkey | 0212 527 4503 (Istanbul) | 155 |
| Indonesia | 0361 224111 (Bali) | 110 |
| Mexico | 078 | 911 |
| India | 1363 | 100 |
| Egypt | 126 | 122 |
| Morocco | 19 | 19 |
The best way to deal with scams is to avoid them. Read our country-specific guides before you travel.
It depends on how you paid. Credit card payments can often be reversed via chargeback. Bank transfers and cash payments are much harder to recover. Travel insurance may cover the loss. Act quickly — the sooner you report, the better your chances.
Yes, for insurance claims. Your travel insurance provider will require a police report number to process a claim. Even if the police cannot help recover your money, the report is essential for insurance purposes.
Use Google Translate or a translation app. Tourist police in major cities often speak English. Your embassy or consulate can provide translation assistance. Many countries have tourist helplines in English.
Contact your country's embassy or consulate immediately. They can issue an emergency travel document. You will need to provide your passport number (keep a copy stored separately from your passport), a police report, and photos.
Call the number on the back of your card and tell them you want to dispute a charge. Explain what happened and provide your documentation. The bank will investigate and typically reverse fraudulent charges within 5–10 business days.