You never thought it could happen to you. You feel dumb and afraid of what might happen. You are angry at yourself for falling for a scam, and you are angry at the scammer. “I should have known better!” “How could I be so stupid?” “What will people think?” “I’m so embarrassed!” “I can’t tell anybody.” “There’s nothing I can do!”
And that’s where you’re wrong. There is something you can do, and you can tell somebody. Please tell somebody! Reports of scams by those who have been scammed are valuable for law enforcement, and the report may save someone else from suffering the same fate.
Scamming is big business. It’s not a computer nerd sitting in his basement. Scammers are in big rooms with lots of people, computers, and phones. They rake in billions every year by conning trusting souls, and they need to be stopped.
Here are some resources to contact if you’ve been scammed.
Your state’s Attorney General office has a fraud or consumer protection unit. They also have brochures on scams, and tips on avoiding scams. There may also be a consumer protection liaison through your Attorney General’s office that can help you with scam complaints and may be able to help recoup some losses or stop future losses.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is another resource for reporting. They cannot resolve individual cases but a scammee’s report can lead to investigation and prosecution of scammers who are targeting others. The FTC’s IdentityTheft website offers information on a recovery plan. “Identity Theft – A Recovery Plan” and other scam publications are available on the website’s publication page .
The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Crime Complaint Center or IC3 will assist consumers with crimes that are related to Internet.
USA.gov offers information on scams and more resources on who to call if you’ve been scammed.
The Better Business Bureau has a Scam Tracker that gives information on the type of scams being perpetrated, where the scams are taking place, and the numbers of reports.
AARP also offers scam information on their website, giving updates on current scams and how you can protect yourself.
What can you do:
You can be proactive. Learn about scams and how to identify scams.
Don’t be rushed to make a decision. Research any companies that are making offers.
Don’t put yourself in the position to be scammed. Hang up the phone. Delete the text or email.
Check your credit reports. You can read about and request a free credit report annually.
Don’t give out personal information!! Banks don’t need your account number. Social Security doesn’t need your Social. Medicare doesn’t need your Medicare number. You get the idea.
If you are scammed – Be brave. Don’t think you are the only person to have been scammed. Report the scam.
Get the “Identity Theft – A Recovery Plan” for more information on steps to take.
Scammers are getting more sophisticated, and our methods of communication make it easier for them to get to us. Don’t be a scammee.
Stay safe.
