What Steps Should I Take After I Get Scammed?

Sep 1

2 min read

You: "I think I just got scammed. What should I do now?"

Scammer Prevention HQ: "First off, take a deep breath. It’s frustrating, but you’re not alone. Let’s go through some steps to help you recover from this."

You: "Okay, what’s the first thing I should do?"

Scammer Prevention HQ: "The first step is to stop all contact with the scammer immediately. If it’s through email, phone, or social media, cease all communication. Scammers often continue to pressure victims for more money or information."

You: "Got it. What’s next?"

Scammer Prevention HQ: "Next, you’ll want to document everything. Take screenshots of conversations, save emails, and keep any relevant details. This information will be crucial when you report the scam."

You: "Where should I report it?"

Scammer Prevention HQ: "Good question! Here are a few key places where you can report the scam:

Federal Trade Commission (FTC): The FTC handles consumer protection in the U.S. and can help with various types of scams. You can report online through their Complaint Assistant.
Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3): If the scam happened online or involved a computer, report it to the IC3, which is run by the FBI. File a report on their website here.
Your Local Consumer Protection Office: Different states and regions have consumer protection agencies that can help. Check out the list of offices here.
Better Business Bureau (BBB): The BBB tracks scams and complaints against businesses. You can report a scam here.
Your Bank or Credit Card Company: If you sent money or provided financial information, contact your bank or credit card company immediately. They may be able to stop the transaction or help recover your funds."

You: "Wow, there are so many places to report it. What if I gave out personal information?"

Scammer Prevention HQ: "That’s another critical point. If you shared personal information, you should:

Change your passwords for any online accounts that might be affected.
Monitor your credit for any unusual activity. You can get a free credit report from AnnualCreditReport.com.
Consider placing a fraud alert or a credit freeze on your credit file to prevent new accounts from being opened in your name. The three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) offer these services."

You: "I’ll definitely do that. Is there anything else I should know?"

Scammer Prevention HQ: "Yes, stay vigilant and educate yourself on how to recognize future scams. Sign up for scam alerts from the FTC and other trusted sources. Being aware is your best defense against falling for a scam again."

You: "Thanks for the help! I feel more prepared to handle this."

Scammer Prevention HQ: "You’re welcome! Remember, it’s important to act quickly but calmly. The sooner you report the scam and take action, the better your chances of minimizing the damage."