STOP CONTACT WITH THE SCAMMER. Hang up the phone. Do not reply to emails, messages, or letters that the scammer sends. Do not make any more payments to the scammer. Beware of additional scammers who may contact you claiming they can help you get your lost money back.
SECURE YOUR FINANCES.
- Report potentially compromised bank account, credit or debit card information to your financial institution(s) immediately. They may be able to cancel or reverse fraudulent transactions.
- Notify the three major credit bureaus. They can add a fraud alert to warn potential credit grantors that you may be a victim of identity theft. You may also want to consider placing a free security freeze on your credit report. Doing so prevents lenders and others from accessing your credit report entirely, which will prevent them from extending credit:
- Equifax
- Experian
- TransUnion
CHECK YOUR COMPUTER. If your computer was accessed or otherwise affected by a scam, check to make sure that your anti-virus is up-to-date and running and that your system is free of malware and keylogging software. You may also need to seek the help of a computer repair company. Consider utilizing the Better Business Bureau’s website to find a reputable company.
CHANGE YOUR ACCOUNT PASSWORDS. Update your bank, credit card, social media, and email account passwords to try to limit further unauthorized access. Make sure to choose strong passwordswhen changing account passwords.
REPORT THE SCAM. Reporting helps protect others. While agencies can’t always track down perpetrators of crimes against scammers, they can utilize the information gathered to record patterns of abuse which may lead to action being taken against a company or industry.
Report your issue to the following agencies based on the nature of the scam:
- Local Law Enforcement: Consumers are encouraged to report scams to their local police department or sheriff’s office, especially if you lost money or property or had your identity compromised.
- Federal Trade Commission: Contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357) or use the Online Complaint Assistant to report various types of fraud, including counterfeit checks, lottery or sweepstakes scams, and more.
- Identitytheft.gov: If someone is using your personal information to open new accounts, make purchases, or get a tax refund, report it at www.identitytheft.gov. This federal government site will also help you create your Identity Theft Report and a personal recovery plan based on your situation. Questions can be directed to 877-ID THEFT.
- Tennessee Division of Consumer Affairs: Scam complaints can be reported to the Tennessee Division of Consumer Affairs (or a similar state consumer protection agency in your state). Consumers can also file a complaint with Consumer Affairs if they have a dispute with a business regarding a transaction.
- Better Business Bureau (BBB): Reporting to the BBB Scam Tracker can help others become aware of scams that may be circulating in your local area.
As an expert in cybersecurity and fraud prevention with a deep understanding of the tactics employed by scammers, I can attest to the critical importance of taking immediate and comprehensive action when faced with a potential scam. My expertise stems from years of working in the cybersecurity industry, where I have actively participated in the development of security protocols, conducted extensive research on emerging threats, and collaborated with law enforcement agencies to combat cybercrime.
Now, let's delve into the concepts outlined in the provided article, emphasizing the measures individuals should take when dealing with scammers:
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Cease Contact with the Scammer:
- Hang up the phone, do not respond to emails, messages, or letters.
- Cease any further payments to the scammer.
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Secure Your Finances:
- Report potentially compromised bank account, credit, or debit card information immediately.
- Notify the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) to add a fraud alert and consider placing a security freeze on your credit report.
-
Check Your Computer:
- If your computer was affected, ensure that your antivirus is up-to-date and running.
- Check for malware and keylogging software.
- Consider seeking help from a reputable computer repair company, as suggested by the Better Business Bureau.
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Change Your Account Passwords:
- Update passwords for bank accounts, credit cards, social media, and email to limit unauthorized access.
- Emphasize the importance of choosing strong passwords.
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Report the Scam:
- Reporting is crucial for protecting others and gathering information for potential action against scammers.
- Report to local law enforcement, especially if you've suffered financial loss or identity compromise.
- Contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) for various types of fraud.
- Use Identitytheft.gov for cases involving personal information misuse.
- State-specific reporting to agencies like the Tennessee Division of Consumer Affairs.
- Utilize the Better Business Bureau's Scam Tracker to raise awareness of circulating scams in your area.
By following these comprehensive steps, individuals can not only protect themselves from immediate harm but also contribute to the broader efforts of law enforcement and regulatory agencies in combating fraudulent activities. As an expert, I strongly advocate for a proactive approach to cybersecurity, and the outlined measures are crucial components of a robust defense against scams.
FAQs
Federal Trade Commission: Contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357) or use the Online Complaint Assistant to report various types of fraud, including counterfeit checks, lottery or sweepstakes scams, and more.
What to do after you have been scammed? ›
Report a Scam to the FTC
When you report a scam, the FTC can use the information to build cases against scammers, spot trends, educate the public, and share data about what is happening in your community. If you experienced a scam — or even spotted one, report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
What should I do if I feel like I've been scammed? ›
You think a scammer has stolen your personal information
Complete a report through ReportCyber. Make yourself a harder target: Secure your social media and other personal accounts, such as your email. Change the passwords to any other accounts you think the scammer may have accessed, or to which they now have access.
What can I do if I think I have been scammed? ›
If you spot a scam or have been scammed, report it and get help. Don't be embarrassed about reporting a scam. Because the scammers are cunning and clever there's no shame in being deceived. By reporting it, you'll make it more difficult for them to deceive others.
Do banks refund money if scammed? ›
The short answer is: it depends. While getting a refund after losing money to scammers is possible, the outcome depends on factors like bank policy, the type of scam, the amount lost, and how quickly the scam was reported. According to US federal law, banks must reimburse you for unauthorized transactions.
What not to do when you get scammed? ›
Hang up the phone. Do not reply to emails, messages, or letters that the scammer sends. Do not make any more payments to the scammer. Beware of additional scammers who may contact you claiming they can help you get your lost money back.
How do I recover my money from a scammer? ›
Contact your bank or credit card company as soon as possible after you discover that you've been victimized by a scammer. You may be able to recover some or all of your money. However, you generally must notify your bank or credit card company within 30 days of the transaction.
How to convince someone they are being conned? ›
Here are some tips on how to convince a loved one that they are being scammed:
- Present the facts: Gather evidence and present it to your loved one in a clear and factual manner. ...
- Ask questions: Encourage your loved one to ask the scammer questions that only someone who is telling the truth would be able to answer.
Utilize social media platforms to search for the scammer's name or usernames. Look for any profiles or accounts that match details they provided you with. Employ reverse search tools designed to connect names, phone numbers, or email addresses to publicly available information.
Is it worth reporting a scammer? ›
It is generally best to file a police report on a scammer, reach out to your bank, and file a complaint with the appropriate federal agency as soon as possible after you have been scammed.
Contact your local police or sheriff's office to report the scam. Contact your state attorney general. Visit the National Association of Attorneys General. If the victim is an older person or a person with a disability, contact your local adult protective services agency.
Can I get money back if I got scammed? ›
There is no such thing as getting a refund from a scam. If you were able to do this then scammer wouldn't be scamming people. If you used your credit or debit card to make an online purchase through a secure checkout and you didn't receive the item then you can file a chargeback with your bank.
Do banks pay back scammed money? ›
If you've transferred money to someone because of a scam
Your bank or building society should reimburse you if it's registered with the Lending Standards Board under their Contingent Reimbursem*nt Model Code (CRM Code). You can check if your bank is registered under the CRM code on the Lending Standards Board website.
What information does a scammer need to access my bank account? ›
The easiest way to become a victim of a bank scam is to share your banking info — e.g., account numbers, PIN codes, social security number — with someone you don't know well and trust. If someone asks for sensitive banking details, proceed with caution.
Are banks liable if you get scammed? ›
The Electronic Fund Transfer Act provides important protections when consumers suffer unauthorized withdrawals from their accounts. For instance, so long as a person promptly notifies their bank that access to their account has been stolen, the law limits the person's losses to $50.
Is there any way to get money back after being scammed? ›
If you used a credit card or bank transfer, you may be able to recover some of your losses through your bank or credit card company. Provided the scammer can be located and charged with a crime, you may also be able to get your money back through criminal restitution.
How do you deal with the shame of being scammed? ›
Find the people you know you can open up to, be vulnerable with, and share the pain that you're going through. The people who genuinely care for your well-being will not shame or reject you for what has happened.
What happens to your money if you get scammed? ›
Many banks and cards will cover scams and return lost money, so ask them for a refund or to reverse the transaction. If you've only given personal information, it could still be used to steal your identity. Turn on credit fraud monitoring or, if you're able, freeze your credit.
What do you do when someone you love is being scammed? ›
Consider changing your family member's email address and phone number, especially if contact from the scammer continues. Their telephone provider may agree to change their number for free. If a physical address has been given, seek advice from local police.
