What to Do If You Get Scammed: A Step-by-Step Guide

Scams and cybercrime are on the rise, costing Americans nearly $21 billion in 2026 alone, according to the FBI’s annual crime report. Knowing what steps to take if you’ve been targeted by a scammer can make all the difference in protecting your finances and personal information. If you think you’ve encountered a scam or accidentally shared sensitive information, here’s what you should do right away:

1. Stop All Contact

Cease all communication with the scammer immediately. Do not respond to further calls, emails, or messages.

2. Contact Your Bank

Reach out to D.L. Evans Bank as soon as possible. Our team can help secure your accounts, monitor for unauthorized transactions, and prevent further misuse of your checks or cards.

3. Place a Fraud Alert and Review Your Credit

Contact one of the three major credit bureaus—Experian®, TransUnion®, or Equifax®—to place a fraud alert on your credit report. This makes it harder for scammers to open new accounts in your name. Be sure to review your credit report for any suspicious activity; you can get a free copy at annualcreditreport.com.

4. Report the Scam

File a report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at reportfraud.ftc.gov. The FTC tracks scams nationwide and provides helpful resources for victims.

5. File a Police Report

Report the incident to your local police department and request a copy of the report. This documentation can be useful when working with credit bureaus, creditors, and other organizations. Keep a detailed record of all fraudulent activity and steps you’ve taken.

Specific Actions for Different Types of Scams

Gift Card Payments: If you paid a scammer with a gift card, contact the issuing company immediately. Explain the situation, provide the card number and receipt, and request a refund.
Wire Transfers: If you sent a wire transfer, contact the wire service right away and ask if the transfer can be reversed.
Money Transfer Apps: Report the fraud to the app provider and notify your bank or credit card company if you sent money to a scammer.
Cryptocurrency Payments: While reversals are rare, contact the platform you used to report the fraud.
Cash Sent by Mail: If you mailed cash, call the U.S. Postal Inspection Service at 877-876-2455 as soon as possible to try to intercept the package. Contact other delivery services promptly for the best chance of recovery.

If You’ve Shared Personal Information

Social Security Number: Visit IdentityTheft.gov for step-by-step instructions to protect your identity. Freezing your credit with all three credit bureaus is a crucial first step.
Usernames or Passwords: Change your passwords immediately, especially for sensitive accounts such as banking, payment apps, and shopping sites.

Remember:

You are not alone—scams can happen to anyone. Acting quickly is the best way to limit any damage and protect your financial well-being. For more information and to report fraud, visit reportfraud.ftc.gov.

If you have questions or need assistance, D.L. Evans Bank is here to help. Your security is our top priority.

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