You've Been Scammed. Here's Exactly What to Do Right Now.

The first few hours matter. Follow these steps to limit the damage and protect yourself going forward.

Section 1: Identify What Happened

Common Scams We See:

Tech Support Scam

  • You got a pop-up or call claiming to be Microsoft/Apple/your bank
  • They said your computer has a virus
  • You gave them remote access or paid for "service"
  • Damage: They may have installed malware, seen your passwords, or just taken your money

Phishing/Fake Email

  • You clicked a link in an email that looked legitimate
  • You entered a password or credit card info on a fake website
  • Damage: Attackers now have your password and potentially access to your accounts

Money Transfer Scam

  • Someone convinced you to send money via gift card, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency
  • They posed as a company, family member, or romantic interest
  • Damage: Money is likely gone permanently

Personal Information Scam

  • You gave out your Social Security number, driver's license, or other ID info
  • This was on a fake website, to someone on the phone, or through a fake email
  • Damage: Risk of identity theft

Romance/Catfish Scam

  • Someone built a relationship and eventually asked for money
  • They claimed to be stuck, in an accident, or in business trouble
  • Damage: Emotional and financial

Section 2: Immediate Actions (Next 24 Hours)

Action 1: Secure Your Accounts

  • Change passwords for email, banking, credit cards, and social media
  • Use a device you trust (not the one that was compromised if possible)
  • Use strong, unique passwords (20+ characters if possible)
  • Enable two-factor authentication on important accounts

Action 2: Contact Your Bank/Credit Card Company

  • Call the number on the back of your card (not a number from the scam email)
  • Report what happened
  • Ask them to monitor for fraudulent activity
  • Consider freezing your credit temporarily
  • Check statements for unauthorized charges

Action 3: Report the Fraud

  • To the FTC: Go to reportfraud.ftc.gov
  • To the company being impersonated: Contact them directly through official channels
  • To the platform (if email/text scam): Report the sender
  • To your email provider: Mark as phishing

Action 4: Document Everything

  • Take screenshots of the scam email, website, or messages
  • Save the sender's email address or phone number
  • Write down what information you gave them and when
  • Keep all documentation—you may need it for your bank or police

Action 5: Check for Malware

  • If you clicked a link or gave remote access, you may have malware
  • Follow our "I Think I Have a Virus" guide
  • Run a full antivirus scan
  • Consider getting professional help

Section 3: What Happens Next (By Scam Type)

If You Sent Money:

  • Contact the payment service immediately (PayPal, Venmo, Western Union, etc.)
  • Report the transaction as fraud
  • Ask if the money can be recalled
  • Understand that money sent to another account is often unrecoverable
  • File a police report (you may need this for insurance or legal purposes)

If You Gave Your Password:

  • Change the password immediately
  • Check account activity for anything suspicious
  • Look for linked devices or apps that shouldn't be there
  • Remove any unrecognized login sessions

If You Gave Personal Information:

  • Contact the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion)
  • Place a fraud alert on your credit
  • Consider a credit freeze
  • Monitor your credit reports for suspicious accounts
  • Watch for identity theft over the next months/years

If You Granted Remote Access:

  • Change all your passwords
  • Run a full malware scan
  • Consider having a professional check your computer
  • Monitor your accounts closely for weeks

Section 4: Police Report & Documentation

Should You File a Police Report?

  • Yes, if you lost a significant amount of money
  • Yes, if your identity was used fraudulently
  • Yes, if you want an official record
  • Even if police can't recover money, a report is documentation

What to Bring/Include:

  • Screenshots of the scam
  • Email addresses or phone numbers used
  • Any receipts or payment confirmations
  • Timeline of what happened
  • Amount of money lost
  • Any personal information you gave out

Section 5: Monitor Going Forward

Check These Regularly:

  • Credit reports (free yearly at annualcreditreport.com)
  • Bank and credit card statements
  • Your email accounts for login alerts
  • Social media accounts for unauthorized changes

Signs of Ongoing Fraud:

  • Accounts you didn't open
  • Collections calls for debts you didn't incur
  • Credit offers for accounts in your name
  • Strange charges on your credit report

If You See These:

  • Contact the company where the account was opened
  • Dispute the fraudulent account
  • Update your fraud alert
  • File a report with the FTC again

Section 6: Emotional Impact (You're Not Alone)

  • Scam victims often feel embarrassed or ashamed
  • This is not your fault—scammers are professionals at manipulation
  • Many smart people get scammed
  • Focus on protecting yourself going forward, not on blame

Section 7: Prevention (Moving Forward)

  • Never give remote access to someone who contacted you
  • Never wire money to someone you haven't met in person
  • Verify requests by contacting the company directly using official numbers
  • Be skeptical of unsolicited contact, especially money requests
  • Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication
  • Monitor your accounts regularly

👉 [Contact Ultimate IT Guys - Professional Security Help]