Immediate Action to Take
In the event of an online scam, act quickly to minimize damage.
Immediately change your passwords for all accounts,
especially those that may have been compromised.
Also, enable two-factor authentication to add an extra layer of security.
Reporting the Scam
Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) online or call 1-877-FTC-HELP.
You can also report scams to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
Additionally, notify your bank and credit card companies to flag your accounts for potential fraud.
If you’ve been targeted by a phishing scam, report it to the Anti-Phishing Working Group.
Keep a record of your reports, including dates and reference numbers.
Protecting Your Identity
Place a fraud alert on your credit reports with the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
This will alert potential creditors to verify your identity before extending credit.
Consider enrolling in a credit monitoring service to track changes to your credit report.
Also, review your credit reports regularly to detect any suspicious activity.
Monitor your financial statements and accounts for unusual transactions.
Recovering Your Losses
If you’ve lost money to a scam, file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
You can also report the incident to your state’s Attorney General office.
Contact your bank or credit card company to report the fraud and ask about their process for recovering losses.
Additionally, consider reaching out to local authorities, such as the police, to file a police report.
Keep detailed records of all correspondence and transactions related to the scam.
Preventing Future Scams
To avoid falling victim to online scams again, stay informed about the latest scams and tactics.
Verify the authenticity of emails, calls, and messages by contacting the company directly.
Be cautious of generic greetings, spelling mistakes, and urgent requests.
Use strong, unique passwords and consider using a password manager.
Keep your operating system, browser, and antivirus software up to date.
Finally, monitor your credit reports and financial statements regularly for suspicious activity.
