Downloadable PDF: Checklist For Victims of Scams
1. Cease All Communications
Stop ALL contact with the scammer IMMEDIATELY.
DO NOT RESPOND to further messages, emails, or calls.
2. Secure Your Accounts
Change passwords on all online accounts
(email, banking, social media).
Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on
important accounts.
3. Report the Scam
Local Authorities: File a report with your local police department.
Federal Agencies: Federal Trade Commission (FTC): Report online at: www.ReportFraud.ftc.gov
FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3): Report cyber-related crimes at: www.ic3.gov
U.S. Postal Inspection Service: If mail fraud is involved, report at: www.uspis.gov
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC): If the scam involves investments, report at: www.sec.gov
4. Contact Your Bank or Financial Institution
Inform your bank, credit card issuer, or payment platform. Request to stop or reverse unauthorized transactions.
5. Notify Credit Bureaus of Financial Crime
Contact major credit bureaus to report fraud and place alerts:
Experian: www.experian.com or call 1-888-397-3742.
Equifax: www.equifax.com or call 1-800-525-6285.
TransUnion: www.transunion.com or call 1-800-680- 7289. Consider freezing your credit to prevent new accounts.
6. Check for Unauthorized Transactions
Review bank statements, credit card bills, and other accounts. Dispute any fraudulent transactions immediately.
7. Scan Devices for Malware
Run a full virus and malware scan on your devices. Update your antivirus software and security settings.
8. Monitor Your Identity
Use an identity theft monitoring service or check your credit report regularly. Watch for new credit cards, loans, or accounts opened in your name.
9. Document Everything
Communications with the Scammer:
Save all emails, text messages, and chat logs. Take screenshots of conversations, phone numbers, usernames, and email addresses. Record dates, times, and contents of any phone calls (if legally allowed). Transaction Records: Save all receipts, bank statements, and transaction details. Document cryptocurrency transactions, including wallet addresses and transaction IDs. Keep receipts for cash deposits, noting location and time.
Notifications to Credit Bureaus:
Keep records of fraud alerts and credit freezes. Save confirmation emails or letters from credit bureaus. Screenshots of Scam Websites or Social Media Profiles: Capture scammer websites, social media profiles, or ads. Document URLs and details of the scammer’s online presence.
Additional Expenses Incurred:
Record costs associated with the scam, such as legal fees, monitoring services, or repairs. Keep receipts or invoices for related expenses. Personal Notes and Timelines: Maintain a timeline of scam events and actions taken. Note any changes in the scammer’s behavior or contact attempts
Reports Filed with Authorities:
Keep copies of reports filed with police and federal agencies, including case numbers. Save confirmation emails or screenshots of submitted reports. Correspondence with Financial Institutions: Record all communications with banks, credit card companies, or payment platforms. Save emails, chat logs, and correspondence records.
Evidence of Malware or Device Compromise:
Save reports from antivirus scans showing detected malware or suspicious activity. Note device changes, unauthorized access, or unusual account behavior. Identity Theft or Fraudulent Activity Alerts: Keep alerts from identity theft monitoring services. Document suspicious activity or una
10. Seek Support
Reach out to victim support organizations for guidance and emotional support. Contact local consumer protection agencies.
11. Consider Purchasing Identity Theft Protection
Look into services like LifeLock, IdentityGuard, or other similar programs for ongoing monitoring and protection.
12. Educate Yourself
Learn about common scams and fraud prevention tips. Share your experience to help educate others.
13. Post Recovery Actions
Update Security Settings Regularly update security settings on all online accounts. Stay Vigilant Be wary of unexpected messages, calls, or emails asking for personal information or payments.
14. Important Notes
Be wary of anyone claiming to be able to recover all of your money for a fee! These are often additional scams that prey on desperate victims. Always verify the legitimacy of recovery services through trusted sources and never pay upfront fees.
If the scam involved cryptocurrency, speed and thorough documentation are of the essence! The faster you act, the better the chances of tracing and potentially recovering lost funds.
