What To Do If You’re a Victim of a Scam

Scammers are persuasive, it can be challenging to not doubt their words. They will call, email, and make various attempts to do so in order to gain your personal information or money. For instance, a scammer may contact you pretending to be from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) over alleged unpaid taxes. For additional information on other types of scams, see our page on the most common scams. Here's what to do if you believe you are a victim of a scam.

Report the Scam 

Make sure to report any scams to which you may have been a victim. You might not always get what was taken back, but this will help reduce the damage and the chances of occurring again to others and yourself. Scams should be filed to The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or by phone number 1-877-382-4357. To report an SMS message, forward the message to SPAM (7726). If it’s an email, forward the email to reportphishing@apwg.org. If scammers have contacted you while posing as the Social Security Administration (SSA), report them using this online form. 

Stop Contact with the Scammer

Put the phone down. Never respond to any emails, letters, or messages that a scammer sends. Stop giving them money. Beware of other scammers who may attempt to assist you in this circumstance.

If You Paid a Scammer

Scammers will occasionally demand payment in exchange for your sweepstakes prize or because you owe them money. In this instance:

• Contact your bank, explain that the charge was fraudulent, and request a refund. 

• If you used a gift card, get in touch with the issuer and inform them that you were the victim of fraud. Keep both the receipt and the gift card.

• If you wire transferred money, make sure to call the wire company and let them know it was a fraudulent charge. 

• If you sent money through a transfer app, get in touch with the provider and explain your issue. If you linked your credit card or debit card, report the fraud to your bank or credit card provider.

• If you sent them cash through the mail, contact the mail company and ask them to intercept the package.

If the Scammer Has Access to Your Computer or Phone

Scammers will occasionally request access to your phone or computer so they can remotely manipulate it. For instance, they can pretend to be an internet service provider and claim they need to deal with technical problems. Scammers can access your bank information and passwords through this method. If this occurs:

• Reset your passwords for all your accounts

• If you suspect that your financial information has been stolen, contact your bank.

• Update or install antivirus software 

If the Scammer Has Your Personal Information 

Scammers will occasionally seek your personal information while posing as official government entities. If they obtain your social security number, go to the Identity Theft website to file theft. 

Get Support 

It can be challenging to comprehend what it's like to be a scam victim. Every day, millions of people experience this. It can be upsetting to be the victim of a scam or learn that a loved one has been conned.  Don't feel upset or ashamed because it's a typical occurrence for many. You can discuss your problems and feelings with relatives or friends. If you need confidential emotional support make sure to contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. 

It's essential to understand that anyone can be a victim of a scam. Do not blame yourself for your circumstances. Instead, do everything in your power to avoid the scammer winning.

— Sunny Escalante