For example, if the scammer contacted you through email, print copies of the emails so you have them for reference. However, do not delete the original emails and rely solely on printed copies. The emails have information in the headers that may be useful for investigators attempting to find the scammers. If the scammer contacted you in other ways, such as through the mail, through text messages, or on social media, make copies of those messages as well. As with emails, save the originals. Compile a chronology of your interactions with the scammers and specific amounts of money transferred. You can use receipts, bank records, or credit card statements for this. Include any information you have about the location of the scammers, even if you doubt its accuracy.
Your credit or debit card has a customer service number on the back. Operators typically are available on these lines 24 hours a day. Follow the automated prompts and select the option for reporting fraud. Your bank or credit card company also may have a dedicated fraud line. Check the company’s website. For bank transactions, you may also be able to go into a branch during business hours, if you prefer to deal with someone face-to-face.
Take the name and any identification number of the customer service representative you talk to. Ask if they have a direct number so you can talk to them again if necessary. If you have physical documentation, find out how you can submit it. Request written confirmation of the conversation be mailed to you. When you get it, save it with your own notes.
For example, your bank or credit card company may want a copy of the police report. Send it as soon as possible. You may also be able to take it to a local branch in person. Keep a record of all communication you have with your bank or credit card company, including the dates and times of any phone calls and the name of the person you spoke with.
Banks and credit card companies are expected to resolve the matter within 2 billing cycles, which normally equates to 2 months. In any event, they cannot take longer than 90 days under consumer protection laws. Keep in mind that resolving a complaint does not necessarily mean that they find in your favor or refund your money. If the bank or credit card company rules against you, you might want to talk to a consumer protection attorney to explore further options.
For example, in the US, you can file a complaint against your bank with the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau (CFPB) by going to https://www. consumerfinance. gov/complaint/. Once you file the complaint, your bank or credit card company has a limited time to respond. Most complaints are resolved within 2 weeks. You may want to talk to an attorney about getting your money back from your bank or credit card company. Most consumer attorneys provide a free initial consultation, and you can discuss your options.
In the US, you can find contact information for local law enforcement by visiting https://www. usa. gov/local-governments and selecting your state from the drop-down menu. Do not use emergency numbers, such as 911, to report a scam, unless you feel your life is immediately in danger.
Include as many details as possible that could help investigators locate the scammers. If the scam occurred online, keep original digital copies of emails or messages in addition to any screen captures or printed files.
Get the name and badge number of the officer who takes your report. The officer will also give you a report number. You’ll need it to get a copy of the written report when it’s ready.
Make copies of your written report when you get it. You may need to submit it to your bank or credit card company, or to other government agencies.
For example, in the US, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) investigates and builds cases against scammers. You may be able to recover some of your money from an FTC lawsuit or settlement. The FTC has a complaint tool on its website that you can use to submit a complaint. US state attorneys general have anti-fraud departments that also investigate and prosecute scammers. Go to the website of your state attorney general to learn how to submit a complaint or report.
If the scammers are caught and brought up on charges, you may be able to get some or all of your money back through criminal restitution. You’ll only be able to get back the money you can prove you paid to the scammers, so make sure you keep all receipts, bank or credit card statements, and other documentation.
There is a massive list of many different types of scams available at https://www. usa. gov/common-scams-frauds. This list not only describes common scams but also tells you what to do to keep from falling for them. Generally, be skeptical about any communication you get from someone you don’t know. Take steps to verify that they are who they say they are and don’t give them any personal or financial information. If you receive an email or letter in the mail telling you that you’ve won a contest or sweepstakes that you never entered, be wary. Remember the adage that if something seems too good to be true, it probably is.
If the scammer contacted you through email, you might consider changing your email address. Once a scammer identifies your email as a target, they may share this information with other scammers. If the scammer contacted you through social media, tighten your security settings so you can’t be contacted by people you don’t know. Avoid discussing the scam online in public forums or mentioning how much money you lost. Other scammers could read these posts and use the information to figure out how to target you again.
Change the settings on your email account so that emails from the scammers are immediately deleted or sent to spam. You also may be able to block the email addresses the scammers used. However, they may use different email addresses. You can also set up filters to send emails to spam if they contain certain keywords.
Scammers also may pass on your information to other scammers. Follow-up scams may happen immediately after the original scam, or months later. A follow-up scam may seem completely unrelated to the original scam. The scammers may attempt to manipulate your emotions or play on your fears. If you get an email or text from out of the blue and you don’t recognize the sender, assume it is a scam and delete it immediately. Generally, don’t respond to any email or text that comes from someone you don’t know, or from an address or phone number you don’t recognize.
As with email, if the scammer initially contacted you by telephone, you might want to consider changing your number. On a mobile phone, add individuals and businesses that frequently call you to your contacts. If you receive a call from a number that you don’t recognize or that isn’t listed in your contacts, don’t answer the phone.
Some hallmarks of a scammer impersonating a government official include typos or misspellings, as well as grammar and punctuation errors. Scammers also use alternate characters to make their email addresses look like an official government address. For example, they might use a lower-case “l” in place of a capital “i,” since the two letters look the same in most email fonts. To check this, copy the email address and paste it into a word document, then change the font. If a scammer attempts to impersonate a law enforcement officer or government official, save the email or text to share with the agency. It may include information they can use to track down the scammers.
