What To Do First

This guide provides step‑by‑step instructions to help you take immediate action based on the type of fraud you experienced.

If Money Was Taken

  1. Contact your bank immediately. Call the number on the back of your card or visit your local branch to report unauthorized transactions.
  2. Freeze or cancel compromised cards. Ask your bank to issue new cards and close affected accounts if necessary.
  3. Change all passwords. Update passwords for banking, email, and any other accounts that might be linked.
  4. Enable two‑factor authentication. Use a trusted authenticator app or text message codes for additional security.
  5. Check recent transactions. Review statements for any suspicious charges and dispute them with your bank.
  6. Place a fraud alert with a credit bureau. Contact Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion to place a temporary alert on your credit report.
  7. File official reports. Proceed to the Report Fraud page to file complaints with federal agencies.

If Your Identity Was Stolen

  1. Visit the Federal Trade Commission Identity Theft portal. Go to IdentityTheft.gov to create an identity theft report.
  2. Create an identity theft report. Follow the FTC’s instructions and keep copies of all documentation.
  3. Place a credit freeze. Contact Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion to freeze your credit.
  4. File a police report if required. Some creditors require a police report to remove fraudulent accounts.
  5. Monitor your credit reports. Review your credit regularly for new inquiries or accounts you didn’t open.

If It Was Online Fraud

  1. Save evidence. Keep copies of emails, receipts, messages, and screenshots related to the scam.
  2. Report to the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center. File a report at IC3.gov.
  3. Report to the Federal Trade Commission. Submit a report at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
  4. Notify financial institutions. Let your bank or payment providers know about the fraudulent transaction.
  5. Warn others if appropriate. Share your experience with friends and family to help protect them, but avoid naming individuals publicly.

If It Was Investment Fraud

  1. Stop any further payments. Do not send additional funds to the individual or entity.
  2. Gather all documentation. Collect investment contracts, emails, and receipts.
  3. Report to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. File a complaint at sec.gov/tcr.
  4. Notify state securities regulators. Contact your state’s securities regulator to report the fraud.
  5. Consult with an attorney. A lawyer can advise on potential recovery options.

If It Was Tax Fraud

  1. Gather documentation. Collect all emails, notices, and communications related to the fraud.
  2. Contact the IRS. Report tax fraud directly to the Internal Revenue Service via irs.gov.
  3. Review your tax return. Look for unauthorized changes or filings and correct them with the IRS.
  4. Place a fraud alert or freeze your credit. Protect your credit by contacting the credit bureaus.
  5. Monitor your financial accounts. Watch for unusual activity in bank and brokerage accounts.

If It Was Social Security Fraud

  1. Contact the Social Security Administration. Report suspicious activity via oig.ssa.gov.
  2. Review your Social Security Statement. Check for discrepancies in earnings or benefits.
  3. Place a fraud alert or credit freeze. Protect your credit by contacting the credit bureaus.
  4. Monitor your financial accounts. Watch for new accounts or unauthorized transactions.
  5. Secure your personal information. Avoid sharing Social Security numbers unless absolutely necessary.

If It Was a Romance Scam

  1. Cease all communication. Break off contact with the scammer immediately.
  2. Report to the FTC. Submit a complaint at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
  3. Protect your financial accounts. Review your bank and credit card statements and change passwords.
  4. Seek emotional support. Talk to trusted friends or counselors to work through feelings of betrayal.
  5. Be cautious in future online relationships. Verify identities and remain skeptical of rapid intimacy.

If It Was a Tech Support Scam

  1. Disconnect from the scammer. Hang up the phone or close the chat session.
  2. Run trusted security software. Use antivirus and anti‑malware tools to scan your device.
  3. Change your passwords. Update passwords for your accounts and enable two‑factor authentication.
  4. Report to the FTC. Submit a report at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
  5. Notify your financial institutions. If you provided payment details, contact your bank and cancel any charges.