3 minute read
What to do if you got scammed
If you were scammed, act fast: call your bank or card company using the number on your card to stop or dispute payments, change the password of any account you shared, starting with email, and turn on two-step login. Then report it at reportfraud.ftc.gov in the US and to the police. Scammers often come back offering to recover your money; that is a second scam.
In the first hour
- Money: call your bank or card issuer. Card payments and some transfers can be disputed or stopped if you are quick.
- Passwords: change the password on any account you gave out, from a device the scammer never touched. Email first.
- Remote access: if you let someone control your computer, disconnect it from the internet and get it checked.
- Gift cards: call the number on the back of the card. Sometimes the money has not been spent yet.
Report it
- US: reportfraud.ftc.gov and, for internet crime, ic3.gov.
- UK: Report Fraud, which replaced Action Fraud.
- Your local police, for a report number your bank may ask for.
Watch out for the recovery scam
People who were scammed get calls or messages offering to “recover” the money for a fee. These are always more scammers.
It is not your fault
Scammers are professionals who do this all day. Telling family helps protect them too.