Contact the bank, payment provider, or platform you used as soon as possible. Explain that the payment was made as part of a scam and provide the transaction details they request.
Do not send more money because the scammer promises a refund, cancellation, release fee, verification, or recovery service.
Save screenshots, messages, phone numbers, email addresses, payment references, account details, and other evidence. Do not delete the conversation before preserving what you need.
If you also shared passwords, OTPs, banking details, or identity information, secure those accounts and follow the relevant incident guidance.
Be cautious of anyone who contacts you claiming they can recover the money for an upfront payment. Treat unexpected recovery offers as another potential scam.