Consumer tip: Been scammed? Here’s what to do

Getting scammed online can feel terrifying and overwhelming. Here are some immediate steps to take. First, start by immediately contacting your bank if a fraudulent charge was made on your credit or debit card. If you were scammed through a money transfer app, use its reporting system to contact the provider and your bank if your account was linked. If a scammer was able to get you to give them gift card payments, reach out to the issuing company with transaction details, and make sure to keep both the card and receipt.

Sometimes, the scam will involve having you send cash in the mail. If it’s not too late, immediately contact the delivery service or the U.S. Postal Inspection Service to try to intercept the package.

Cryptocurrency payments are usually irreversible, but it’s still worth reporting them to the platform used for the transfer.

When personal information has been compromised, securing your identity is critical. Update your passwords immediately, especially if they were reused. If your Social Security number was exposed, visit IdentityTheft.gov to report identity theft, check your credit reports and get personalized recovery steps.

Finally, once you have secured your data and financial safety, report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Even if you can’t recover your money, your report helps track fraudsters and prevent future scams.

More information at marincountyda.org or 415-473-6495