What to do if you've been scammed
July 30, 2024
You were scammed. What can you do now? Learn what steps you can take to minimize the damage and avoid being scammed again.
1. Stop contact with the scammer. Hang up the phone, don’t reply to any messages. Don’t make any payments to the scammer and beware of additional scammers who may contact you claiming they can help you get your lost money back.
2. Notify the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion).
3. 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.
4. Change ALL your account passwords. Update your bank, credit card, social media, phone and email account passwords to try to limit further unauthorized access. Make sure to choose strong passwords when you change passwords.
5. Report the scam. Reporting helps protect others. While authorities can’t always track down perpetrators, they can gather information to record patterns of abuse. https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/
What if You’ve been a Victim of ID Theft?
- File a police report
- Put a fraud alert on your credit reports
- Consider putting a credit freeze on your reports
- Check your credit reports
- Contact any institution directly affected
- Contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) 1-877-438-4338
- Notify affected creditors or bank
- Send creditors a copy of your ID theft report
- Change all account passwords
- Contact the Social Security fraud hot line
- Contact your telephone and utility companies
Resources:
https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/ojp/help-for-crime-victims/Pages/Identity%20Theft.aspx
https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/what-do-if-you-were-scammed
How to Support Fraud Victims
- Avoid judgment
- Listen empathetically
- Remind them that fraud criminals are experts at deception and that they are not alone
- Help them report the crime to their bank, credit card company, etc.
- Help them change their passwords or freeze their credit
- Help them file a fraud report
- Be available to discuss any new suspicious solicitations
- Help them identify a financial advocate to help their money safe from future exploitation
Our Recent News
In 2024, Rebecca and Daniel were facing a difficult reality: their home was in the foreclosure process. With Daniel recently diagnosed with a serious, terminal illness, Rebecca had become the primary financial provider while also caring for her husband and their disabled daughter. What began as a hopeful purchase of a home in 2022 quickly became a financial burden as life’s unexpected challenges took a heavy toll on their family. Overwhelmed and unsure of how to move forward, Rebecca and Daniel turned to Catholic Charities’ Financial and Housing Counseling program for help. After meeting with one of our experienced counselors, they gained a clear understanding of the foreclosure process in Minnesota, including available options and timelines. The first step was to assess their hardship and review their home’s affordability. Despite Rebecca’s best efforts to contact the mortgage company, the stress of managing multiple responsibilities made it difficult to complete the required paperwork. Our counselor worked directly with the mortgage company, helping Rebecca and Daniel fill out the necessary forms. As a result, they were offered a partial claim mortgage assistance program that allowed them to bring their mortgage current and stop the foreclosure. “I don’t have to worry about losing our home while dealing with Daniel’s healthcare needs,” Rebecca shared with relief. Our team also helped the family apply for energy assistance and connected them with additional social security resources, further supporting their financial recovery. Catholic Charities’ Financial and Housing Counseling program, available since 1982, has no income limits and provides expert guidance to anyone looking for assistance. As a licensed U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provider, we are committed to helping individuals make informed financial decisions and build a secure future. Rebecca’s heartfelt gratitude says it best: “Many thanks to you, Lois, for everything you do for us!! God Bless You!”
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Cloud receives $10,000 grant from Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines and Stearns Bank through the Member Impact Fund Grant program supports affordable housing and community development
Summer should be a time of fun and freedom — but for many families in Central Minnesota, it’s a time of deep uncertainty. Without school meal programs and with rising grocery prices, far too many of our neighbors are struggling to put food on the table. That’s why we’re excited to announce that Catholic Charities Emergency Services Food Shelf is once again participating in the Open Your Heart to the Hungry and Homeless Summer Challenge — and we need your help! What Is the Summer Challenge? Every July, food shelves across Minnesota take part in the Open Your Heart Summer Challenge — a statewide fundraising effort where donations are matched through grant funding. That means every dollar you give to our food shelf during the month of July helps us qualify for a matching grant of up to $4,000. It’s a powerful way to double your impact and ensure we can continue meeting the growing need in our community. The Need Has Never Been Greater Food insecurity remains heartbreakingly common in our state. According to a 2024 statewide hunger study, 1 in 5 households in Minnesota are food insecure. Here at Catholic Charities, we’ve seen that need firsthand. Our food shelf has seen a dramatic rise in the number of shoppers — including many families who have never needed help before. The cost of food is higher than ever, and families are forced to make tough decisions between buying groceries and paying for rent, gas, or medications. What We’re Doing At Catholic Charities Emergency Services Food Shelf, we offer more than just food — we offer choice, dignity, and hope. Our shoppers are able to select the food that fits their family’s dietary, cultural, and health needs. We provide a respectful, welcoming experience and access to nutritious foods, including fresh produce, meat, and dairy. In 2024, we distributed over 2.7 million pounds of food through our food shelf, mobile outreach, and emergency food bag programs — but we can’t do it alone. How You Can Help This July, your support means more than ever. Every donation made to our food shelf during the Summer Challenge will be matched through the Open Your Heart Summer Challenge, stretching your gift further to help feed families in Central Minnesota. ➡️ Donate Today: Click here to give now Thank you for being part of this mission of compassion and community. Want to learn more about our Food Shelf and other food programs? Visit ccstcloud.org/food-services To learn more about the statewide Summer Challenge, visit oyh.org/summer-challenge
