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Stop and talk to someone you trust. Before you do anything else, tell someone — a friend, a family member, a neighbor — what happened. Talking about it could help you realize it’s a scam. Report Scams to the FTC. If you were scammed or think you saw a scam, tell the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Sure ways to spot a scammer. Scammers say and do things that can tell us they’re lying — and they’re not who they pretend to be. Of course, to hear or see those clues, we have to get past the panic scammers make us feel, thanks to the so-called emergencies they try to create.
Back up your data to the cloud or an external drive. Report scammers and hackers at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. If someone stole your personal information, report it, and get recovery steps, at IdentityTheft.gov. For more advice on how to protect your money and devices from scammers, check out.
Scammers use email or text messages to try to steal your passwords, account numbers, or Social Security numbers. If they get that information, they could get access to your email, bank, or other accounts. Or they could sell your information to other scammers.
When you report a scam, the FTC can use the information to build cases against scammers, spot trends, educate the public, and share data about what is happening in your community. If you experienced a scam — or even spotted one, report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov
Often, it’s scammers calling. Here’s what to know about blocking unwanted calls, dealing with robocalls, avoiding phone scams, and signing up for the National Do Not Call Registry.
If someone trusts you enough to share their scam story, especially if the scammer is still in touch with them, here’s some advice to help guide you. Lead with empathy. Respond with kindness and concern instead of criticizing or expressing disappointment. Scams can happen to anyone.
If you paid a scammer with a money order, contact the company that issued the money order right away to see if you can stop payment. Also, try to stop delivery of the money order: if you sent it by U.S. mail, contact the U.S. Postal Inspection Service at 877-876-2455.
Find out what to do if you paid a scammer, gave a scammer your personal information, or if a scammer has access to your computer or phone. Then, please report the scam at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. After you report it, you’ll get advice on what you can do next to recover and protect yourself.
In the past year, the FTC engaged in hundreds of public outreach events, meetings, webinars, and other gatherings to help older adults avoid, spot, and report scams. If a scam affects you, your loved ones, or people in your community, please tell the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Your reports help us understand what’s ...