I got scammed buying something online. What do I do?

First, breathe. Even if you’ve already paid, not everything is lost: if you used a card, your bank can try to get the payment back, and the evidence you gather now matters enormously. First thing — don’t send any more money.

First steps, right now

Gather the evidence now: screenshots of the listing, the conversation, the payment page, the transfer confirmation and the seller's details. Don't delete anything.
If you paid by card, call your bank and ask about a "chargeback" (getting the payment back for a product you never received). Your chances are better if you act fast.
If you paid by bank transfer to an account, ask your bank to try a payment recall — sometimes there's still time if the money hasn't been withdrawn.
Report the listing and the seller on the platform where you bought (OLX, Facebook Marketplace etc.).
File a complaint with ANPC (Romania's consumer protection authority — for shops/traders) and a report with the Police (Poliția Română) (for fraud).

What NOT to do

Do not send any more money "to release the parcel" or "for customs fees" — that's the scam continuing.
Do not accept a "refund" through a link that asks for your card details again: it's the second trap.
Do not give up on the evidence — without screenshots, a report is much harder to back up.

How to spot it next time

A price far too low for the market, with pressure to pay quickly "because there are other buyers too".
The seller takes you off the platform (onto WhatsApp) and asks for payment in advance by direct transfer.
A new account, no reviews, photos taken from the internet, refuses cash on delivery or meeting in person.

This guide is meant to help you act fast. It does not replace official instructions from your bank, the police or the authorities. When in doubt, call the numbers above.