WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE BEEN SCAMMED
From: helpfulguide.org
If you realize that you have been taken in by a fraudulent scheme, immediately stop any and all communication with the scammer. Watch your bank account very closely for a couple of weeks and check any other accounts you may have with personal information that could be attacked. Change all of your online account passwords immediately.
If your contact was door-to-door, write down every detail you can remember about the individual and the company that he/she represented. Do this while everything is still fresh in your memory. Also record the date and time of day. The more detailed information you can provide, the better chance law enforcement will have to apprehend the fraud.
It is Strongly Suggested that You Do the Following:
- Check your bank account
- be aware of gift card purchases
- be aware of wire transfer services
2. Contact Government Agencies
- in USA contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
- Social Security Administration
3. Reach out to Family Members
- provide support
- give practical advise on how proceed
4. Reach out to Neighbors
- alert if the scammer is going door-to-door
- inform them to avoid scammer
5. Contact Law Enforcement
- give a complete description of individual
- name the company they said they were representing
- give the day and time
6. Contact the Credit Bureau
- can limit damage
- can protect personal info