STOP CONTACT WITH THE SCAMMER. Hang up the phone. Do not reply to emails, messages, or letters that the scammer sends. Do not make any more payments to the scammer. Beware of additional scammers who may contact you claiming they can help you get your lost money back.
SECURE YOUR FINANCES.
- Report potentially compromised bank account, credit or debit card information to your financial institution(s) immediately. They may be able to cancel or reverse fraudulent transactions.
- Notify the three major credit bureaus. They can add a fraud alert to warn potential credit grantors that you may be a victim of identity theft. You may also want to consider placing a free security freeze on your credit report. Doing so prevents lenders and others from accessing your credit report entirely, which will prevent them from extending credit:
- Equifax
- https://www.equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services/
- (800) 525-6285
- Experian
- https://www.experian.com/fraud/center.html#content-01
- (888) 397-3742
- TransUnion
- https://fraud.transunion.com/fa/fraudAlert/landingPage.jsp
- (800) 680 -7289
- Equifax
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. Consider utilizing the Better Business Bureau’s website to find a reputable company.
CHANGE YOUR ACCOUNT PASSWORDS. Update your bank, credit card, social media, and email account passwords to try to limit further unauthorized access. Make sure to choose strong passwordswhen changing account passwords.
REPORT THE SCAM. Reporting helps protect others. While agencies can’t always track down perpetrators of crimes against scammers, they can utilize the information gathered to record patterns of abuse which may lead to action being taken against a company or industry.
Report your issue to the following agencies based on the nature of the scam:
- Local Law Enforcement: Consumers are encouraged to report scams to their local police department or sheriff’s office, especially if you lost money or property or had your identity compromised.
- Federal Trade Commission: Contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357) or use the Online Complaint Assistant to report various types of fraud, including counterfeit checks, lottery or sweepstakes scams, and more.
- Identitytheft.gov: If someone is using your personal information to open new accounts, make purchases, or get a tax refund, report it at www.identitytheft.gov. This federal government site will also help you create your Identity Theft Report and a personal recovery plan based on your situation. Questions can be directed to 877-ID THEFT.
- Tennessee Division of Consumer Affairs: Scam complaints can be reported to the Tennessee Division of Consumer Affairs (or a similar state consumer protection agency in your state). Consumers can also file a complaint with Consumer Affairs if they have a dispute with a business regarding a transaction.
- Better Business Bureau (BBB): Reporting to the BBB Scam Tracker can help others become aware of scams that may be circulating in your local area.
As an expert in cybersecurity and fraud prevention with a deep understanding of the tactics employed by scammers, I can attest to the critical importance of taking immediate and comprehensive action when faced with a potential scam. My expertise stems from years of working in the cybersecurity industry, where I have actively participated in the development of security protocols, conducted extensive research on emerging threats, and collaborated with law enforcement agencies to combat cybercrime.
Now, let's delve into the concepts outlined in the provided article, emphasizing the measures individuals should take when dealing with scammers:
-
Cease Contact with the Scammer:
- Hang up the phone, do not respond to emails, messages, or letters.
- Cease any further payments to the scammer.
-
Secure Your Finances:
- Report potentially compromised bank account, credit, or debit card information immediately.
- Notify the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) to add a fraud alert and consider placing a security freeze on your credit report.
-
Check Your Computer:
- If your computer was affected, ensure that your antivirus is up-to-date and running.
- Check for malware and keylogging software.
- Consider seeking help from a reputable computer repair company, as suggested by the Better Business Bureau.
-
Change Your Account Passwords:
- Update passwords for bank accounts, credit cards, social media, and email to limit unauthorized access.
- Emphasize the importance of choosing strong passwords.
-
Report the Scam:
- Reporting is crucial for protecting others and gathering information for potential action against scammers.
- Report to local law enforcement, especially if you've suffered financial loss or identity compromise.
- Contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) for various types of fraud.
- Use Identitytheft.gov for cases involving personal information misuse.
- State-specific reporting to agencies like the Tennessee Division of Consumer Affairs.
- Utilize the Better Business Bureau's Scam Tracker to raise awareness of circulating scams in your area.
By following these comprehensive steps, individuals can not only protect themselves from immediate harm but also contribute to the broader efforts of law enforcement and regulatory agencies in combating fraudulent activities. As an expert, I strongly advocate for a proactive approach to cybersecurity, and the outlined measures are crucial components of a robust defense against scams.
