Avoid scams
Think you paid a fake formation agent? Take these steps
If you suspect a formation payment went to a scammer, focus first on limiting further loss and preserving evidence. You do not need to resolve every detail before contacting your bank. Act through independently verified channels, and be cautious about anyone who immediately promises guaranteed recovery for another upfront fee.
Contact the payment provider promptly
Use your bank or payment service’s official fraud contact. Explain what happened, when the payment was made and why you believe it may be fraudulent. Ask what actions are available for that payment method, such as a recall or dispute. Recovery is not guaranteed, and available procedures and deadlines vary.
Secure information and preserve the record
Save invoices, payment references, messages, contracts and the website address. If you shared account access, use a trusted device to change affected credentials and review recovery settings. If identity documents were exposed, ask the relevant issuing authority what protective steps are available. Do not send additional sensitive information to an unverified recovery service.
Report and check the company position
Report the suspected fraud to the appropriate authorities in your location and, where relevant, the provider’s claimed regulator. Check independently whether a company was actually formed and whether any filing needs attention. If the dispute is about poor service rather than deception, legal or contractual remedies may be more appropriate; preserve evidence for either route.
Put it into practice
- Contact your bank or payment provider immediately.
- Keep original messages and transaction details.
- Secure affected accounts and documents.
- Verify whether any filing occurred.
- Use official reporting channels and obtain appropriate advice.
Your next step
Make a dated incident timeline and keep a copy of every report reference. Share it with the bank or adviser handling the issue instead of repeatedly reconstructing the facts.
Official sources & scope
FTC guidance describes actions after suspected scams, and the FBI addresses business email compromise. Their US reporting routes do not replace the appropriate authorities in other countries.
General planning information. Country-specific rules and individual circumstances need separate verification. Examples are illustrative; no savings or application outcome is guaranteed.