What to do if you've been scammed online?

Last Updated on July 7, 2023

Being scammed is the last thing someone wants to go through. Having your private and financial information exploited doesn’t feel good, and it, unfortunately, happens way too often in today’s digital world. If you want tips on what to do if you’ve been scammed online, look no further, we have provided some for you.

What to do if you’ve been scammed online?

Knowing what steps to take to protect yourself from further damage is essential if you’ve fallen victim to these scams. Here are some actions you can take if you’ve been scammed online.

1. Report the scam – If you’ve been scammed, the first step is to report it to the authorities. You can file a report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) if you live in the United States. If not, you can contact your local police department or equivalent authority in your country. Be sure to keep any evidence, such as emails or transaction receipts, to provide to the relevant authorities.

2. Change your passwords – One of the primary objectives of online scammers is to gain access to your accounts. To prevent them from accessing your accounts or leaking sensitive information, change your password sign-in details to all your online accounts, and avoid reusing the same password for all your accounts.

3. Contact your bank – If you’ve given your bank account information to a scammer, contact your bank immediately to report the fraud. Your bank can help you stop unauthorized transactions and may even reimburse you for any money stolen from your account.

4. Check your credit report – Scammers can use your personal information, like your social security number, to open new accounts in your name or apply for loans. Check your credit reports to ensure no new accounts have been opened in your name. Let the credit agencies know immediately of any fraudulent accounts you discover.

5. Research – Educate yourself and your loved ones about online scams. Learn how to identify phishing attacks and other tactics scammers use. If you receive an email or a message from an unknown source, always be cautious, never give away any information, and avoid clicking on suspicious links.

How to track down someone who scammed you

Cybercriminals are skilled at blending into their surroundings and hiding their identities easily. They have a bag of tricks, from dodgy VPNs to disposable burner phone numbers and anonymous email addresses. If you fall prey to one of their online scams, don’t be a hero and try tackling it alone. Instead, seek out the help of cyber investigators who know how to track these dodgy criminals and bring them to justice.

You can confide in us here at Cyber Investigation. Our team, available round the clock, boasts an impressive 90% success rate in tracking down deceptive scammers and providing solid support to

victims. Count on our savvy private investigators to gather all the evidence you need to bring culprits to justice and safeguard your online future. Don’t let cybercrime win – turn to our expert team today!