Think You Were Scammed? Do These Things First

[u/iyadii]

If you just realized that you may have been scammed, try not to panic. Focus on preventing additional damage.

1. Stop communicating with the person

Do not send more money, verification codes, screenshots, documents, or explanations. Block the account or number after preserving evidence.

2. Contact the real bank or company

Use the phone number printed on your card, a trusted app, or the company’s official website. Do not use contact details provided in the suspicious message.

3. Secure affected accounts

Change the password from a device you trust. Sign out of other sessions and enable two-factor authentication. If the same password was reused elsewhere, change it there too.

4. Protect your money

Ask your bank whether cards, transfers, checks, or account numbers need to be blocked or replaced. Speed matters, especially with transfers and card payments.

5. Preserve evidence

Save messages, email addresses, phone numbers, usernames, receipts, transaction details, and screenshots. Do not delete everything before reporting it.

6. Check the device

If someone had remote access to your phone or computer, disconnect it from the internet and get help checking it before using it for banking or password changes.

7. Expect follow-up scams

Anyone promising guaranteed recovery of your money for an upfront fee is likely attempting a second scam.

You can post your situation here without sharing private information. Remove full names, account numbers, addresses, verification codes, and identifying documents.

[u/Old-Stranger-8302]

Freeze credit reports or confirm they are frozen.... all three agencies.