Think You've Encountered a Scam?

You're Not Alone

Scams affect millions of people every year. In 2024, Americans lost over $10 billion to fraud. Victims include people from all backgrounds, education levels, and income brackets. Scammers are professionals who use psychological manipulation—being targeted doesn't mean you're gullible or foolish.

Important: Don't let embarrassment prevent you from taking action. Reporting helps law enforcement track patterns and potentially recover funds while protecting others.

Immediate Actions (First 24-48 Hours)

Step 1: Stop All Contact with the Scammer

• Block their phone number, email, and social media
• Do NOT respond to further messages (even threats)
• Don't send any more money—even if they claim it's to "fix" the situation
• Ignore any promises of refunds or returns

Step 2: Secure Your Accounts

• Passwords: Change passwords for any accounts the scammer might know about
• Two-factor authentication: Enable on all important accounts immediately
• Email: Check forwarding rules, recovery emails, and connected apps
• Devices: Run antivirus scans if you clicked links or downloaded files

Step 3: Contact Financial Institutions

If you sent money:

• Credit Card: Call issuer immediately to dispute charge and freeze card
• Wire Transfer: Contact transfer company (Western Union, MoneyGram) within minutes for possible reversal
• Bank Transfer/ACH: Call your bank to report fraud and attempt stop payment
• Gift Cards: Contact card issuer (Google Play, iTunes, etc.) and report—recovery is difficult but possible
• Cryptocurrency: Report to exchange and law enforcement—recovery extremely unlikely
• Payment Apps: Report transaction to Venmo/Zelle/CashApp immediately

Step 4: Protect Your Identity

If you shared personal information:

• Social Security Number: Place fraud alert at credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion)
• Credit Freeze: Consider freezing your credit to prevent new accounts being opened
• Driver's License: Contact DMV if shared or stolen
• Passport: Report to State Department if shared

Where and How to Report Scams

Recovery Steps by Scam Type

Romance Scams

• Report profile to dating platform/social media
• Report to FBI IC3 (these are often international criminal enterprises)
• If significant money lost, contact attorney about civil recovery options
• Consider counseling—emotional recovery is as important as financial
• Join support groups for romance scam victims

Tech Support Scams

• Run full antivirus scan immediately
• Change all passwords from a different device
• Check bank accounts for unauthorized access
• Report to FTC and Microsoft/Apple (if they impersonated them)
• Monitor accounts for 6-12 months

Employment/Job Scams

• Report fake employer to Better Business Bureau
• Report to job platform (Indeed, LinkedIn, etc.)
• If sent money for "supplies" or "training," report to FTC
• Watch for identity theft if you provided SSN/driver's license

Investment/Cryptocurrency Scams

• Report to SEC and FBI IC3 immediately
• Report crypto exchange platform if applicable
• Consult with attorney—may have legal recourse
• Recovery extremely difficult but not impossible

IRS/Government Impersonation

• Report to Treasury Inspector General at treasury.gov/tigta
• Report to FTC
• No actual IRS consequences despite threats
• If paid via gift cards, report to card company

Identity Theft Recovery

If the scammer obtained your personal information, follow the comprehensive recovery plan at IdentityTheft.gov

Immediate Steps:

1. Place fraud alert: Call one credit bureau (they'll notify the other two) - Experian: 888-397-3742, Equifax: 800-525-6285, TransUnion: 800-680-7289
2. Review credit reports: Get free reports at annualcreditreport.com and look for unauthorized accounts
3. File FTC identity theft report: Creates official record and recovery plan
4. Consider credit freeze: Prevents new accounts from being opened
5. Close compromised accounts: Work with institutions to close fraudulent accounts

Emotional Recovery & Support

Being scammed is traumatic. Many victims experience:

• Shame and embarrassment
• Anger at themselves or the scammer
• Depression or anxiety
• Difficulty trusting others
• Financial stress

Support Resources:

• AARP Fraud Watch Network: aarp.org/fraud - Support and resources
• National Center for Victims of Crime: 855-4-VICTIM (855-484-2846)
• Online support groups: Search "scam victim support" for your specific scam type
• Professional counseling: Consider therapy if significantly impacted

Remember: You're a victim of a crime. Don't blame yourself—focus on recovery and protection.

Prevention: Protect Yourself Going Forward

• ✓ Be skeptical of unsolicited contact (calls, texts, emails)
• ✓ Never provide personal/financial information to incoming contacts
• ✓ Verify identities independently before trusting anyone
• ✓ Use strong, unique passwords with two-factor authentication
• ✓ Never send money to people you haven't met in person
• ✓ Don't click links in unexpected messages
• ✓ Research before making decisions (use our tools below)
• ✓ Trust your instincts—if something feels wrong, it probably is
• ✓ Keep software and security systems updated
• ✓ Educate family members, especially vulnerable populations