What To Do If You Think You've Been Scammed

Scams are becoming more common and more convincing. Fraudsters use phone calls, text messages, emails, and even social media to trick people into sending money or sharing personal information.

If you think you may have been scammed, acting quickly can make a big difference. The faster you respond, the better your chances of protecting your money and your personal information.

Here are the steps you should take right away.

1. Contact Your Financial Institution Immediately

If you sent money, shared your debit card information, or gave out your online banking login, contact your credit union or bank as soon as possible.

They may be able to:

• Freeze your account
• Block fraudulent transactions
• Issue a new debit or credit card
• Help you dispute unauthorized charges

Even if you are unsure whether fraud occurred, it is always better to report suspicious activity right away.

2. Change Your Passwords

If you shared login information or clicked a suspicious link, update your passwords immediately. This includes:

• Online banking
• Email accounts
• Payment apps
• Social media

Use strong, unique passwords for each account and consider enabling two-factor authentication for added protection.

3. Monitor Your Accounts Closely

Keep a close eye on your accounts for any unfamiliar transactions. Check:

• Bank and credit union accounts
• Credit card statements
• Payment apps
• Online shopping accounts

If you notice anything suspicious, report it immediately.

4. Place a Fraud Alert on Your Credit

If personal information like your Social Security number was shared, consider placing a fraud alert on your credit file. This tells lenders to take extra steps to verify your identity before approving new credit.

You can do this through one of the major credit bureaus, such as Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion.

You may also want to consider a credit freeze, which prevents new credit accounts from being opened in your name.

5. Report the Scam

Reporting scams helps authorities track fraud trends and protect others.

You can report scams to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov. If the scam involved identity theft, the FTC can also guide you through recovery steps.

If the scam involved phone calls or text messages, you can report it to the Federal Communications Commission as well.

6. Watch Out for Follow-Up Scams

Unfortunately, scammers sometimes target victims again. They may pretend to be law enforcement, fraud investigators, or companies offering to recover lost money.

Be cautious of anyone who:

• Asks for payment to recover funds
• Requests sensitive information again
• Contacts you unexpectedly about the scam

Always verify who you are speaking with before sharing information.

Common Signs of a Scam

While scams take many forms, some red flags appear again and again:

• Urgent requests for money or personal information
• Messages that create panic or pressure you to act quickly
• Requests for payment using gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency
• Unexpected messages from people pretending to be your bank, a government agency, or a company you trust

If something feels off, pause and verify before responding.

Stay Alert and Stay Protected

Scammers are constantly changing their tactics, but staying informed is one of the best ways to protect yourself. When in doubt, contact your financial institution directly using a trusted phone number or website.

If you ever believe your account information may have been compromised, reaching out quickly can help stop fraud before it spreads.

Your credit union is here to help you stay safe and protect what matters most.