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


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