Worst Case Scenario A Scammer Has Your Info (3.5 min read)

Written By Ryan Stafford

By now, you're aware of the common forms of scams and how to safeguard your old accounts. But it's vital to act swiftly in the worst-case scenario when a scammer has your information.

If You Paid a Scammer:

  • Credit/Debit Card: Contact the card issuer to report a fraudulent charge and request a refund.

  • Bank Account Transfer: Report unauthorized transfers to your bank and ask for a reversal.

  • Gift Card: Reach out to the gift card issuer, explain the scam, and request a refund.

  • Wire Transfer (Bank): Inform your bank of the scam and ask for a reversal.

  • Money Transfer App: Report fraud to the app's company and the connected bank or card, requesting a charge reversal.

  • Cash: If sent via USPS, contact the U.S. Postal Inspection Service at 877-876-2455 to intercept the package.

If You Gave Personal Information:

  • Social Security Number: Visit IdentityTheft.gov for steps to monitor your credit and protect your identity.

  • Username/Password: Change your passwords, especially if reused elsewhere.

If a Scammer Has Access to Your Device:

  • Computer: Update the security software, run a scan, and delete any threats. Protect personal info.

    • If you use Windows click here for more information on how to run a scan.

    • If you own a Mac there is built in software called Gatekeeper that's designed to ensure that only trusted software runs on your Mac. If Gatekeeper can not verify the app you downloaded is safe you will receive the following notification, and will be prompted to delete the app, which you should. 

Note: The safest place to download apps to a computer is the App Store or Google Play Store, not the internet (especially if someone is instructing you to do so).

  • Phone: Regain control by contacting your service provider. Check financial accounts for unauthorized activity and visit IdentityTheft.gov for further steps.

Scams and fraud are rising, and you must know what to do in the worst-case scenario. For a more detailed description of what to do after a scam, visit the Federal Trade Commission's consumer fraud website below. We recommend you bookmark or save the link somewhere so you can easily access it in a time of need.

https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/what-do-if-you-were-scammed#Paid

If you know someone who could benefit from this article feel free to share.

 

Ryan Stafford

JPStudinger Group

Client Service Associate

248-643-6550

Meeting Link:

https://m.levitate.ai/a91539-4o4x3c?landing=true

Securities offered through Kestra Investment Services, LLC (Kestra IS), member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Kestra Advisory Services, LLC (Kestra AS), an affiliate of Kestra IS. JP Studinger Group, LLC is not affiliated with Kestra IS or Kestra AS

Ryan Stafford
Next

Are Millennials Better at Investing? (2 min read)