What to do if you've been victimized

If you or someone you love has been the victim of a scam, know this: it is not your fault. You were targeted by a professional. Here's what to do:

• Don't Panic: Take a moment to gather your thoughts before taking action. Panic can lead to rash decisions that leave you more vulnerable.
• Gather All Information: Document all relevant details, including dates, times, dollar amounts, communication records, and any suspicious activities.
• Change Passwords: Immediately update the passwords for your online banking accounts and any others that may have been compromised. Enable two-factor authentication if you haven't already.
• Contact Financial Institutions: Reach out to your bank or credit card company. They can help freeze accounts and prevent further losses. Be sure to find their correct contact information on your card or on their actual website.
• Report the Fraud: File a report with local police, the FBI's IC3, and the Federal Trade Commission. The FBI's Recovery Asset Team had a 66% success rate in 2024 and froze $561 million. Your report matters.
• Notify Credit Bureaus: Place a fraud alert on your credit report by contacting Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Consider a credit freeze.