What to do if you have been a victim of Fraud: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Try to remain calm and gather details.

  • Recording things like dates, amounts, account numbers, names of fraudsters (or the names they gave you), any communication methods (emails, texts and calls with what phone numbers contacted you).

Step 2: Immediately contact your financial institution

  • Ask them to freeze/block your accounts and give them the details you collected.

Step 3: Report to Authorities

  • Report to your local police- this helps create an official record and is necessary especially in identity theft cases.

  • Report to the Federal Trade Commission

    Identity Theft- identitytheft.gov

    General Fraud- ReportFraud.ftc.gov

    Internet/Cybercrime- IC3.gov

Step 4: Protect Your Personal Information

  • If your accounts were compromised, change your passwords.

  • If you allowed someone to remote access your device, getting that device professionally cleaned.

  • Use MFA (multi-factor authentication) when possible

  • If you suspect identity theft has occurred, you can request a freeze be placed on your credit with all three credit bureaus.

    Equifax: 1-888-298-0045

    Experian: 1-888-397-3742

    Transunion: 1-800-916-8800

  • Check your credit reports annually at annualcreditreport.com (You are entitled to one free report a year from each bureau).

Step 5: Monitor your accounts and sign up for identity theft monitoring.

Final Tips:

  • Be wary of sharing personal information: ALWAYS VERIFY the source before sharing any information, especially if it is over the phone, via email or social media.

  • Use secure payment methods: Use a credit card or secure payment platform rather than wires or gift cards.

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