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Scam Victim Response Checklist
What to Do If You've Been Targeted or Victimized - Immediate steps to minimize damage and recover from scam attacks.
Last Updated: September 2025
Essential Protection Guide
This comprehensive list provides detailed insights into recognizing and protecting yourself from response related scams. Each item includes specific warning signs, protection strategies, and actionable advice.
1
Stop All Further Contact with the Scammer
🚨CRITICAL PRIORITY
Immediately cease all communication with the scammer to prevent further manipulation or information gathering.
🚩 Warning Signs
- •Continuing to receive calls, texts, or emails from scammers
- •Feeling tempted to respond to see if they're legitimate
- •Scammer is pressuring for more information or payments
- •Multiple people claiming to be from the same organization
- •Scammer is threatening consequences if you don't respond
✅ Protection Tips
- ✓Block all phone numbers used by the scammer
- ✓Mark scammer emails as spam and delete them
- ✓Do not respond to any further communications
- ✓Change your phone number if harassment continues
- ✓Document all contact attempts but don't engage
2
Secure Your Financial Accounts Immediately
🚨CRITICAL PRIORITY
Protect your bank accounts, credit cards, and other financial accounts from unauthorized access or fraudulent charges.
🚩 Warning Signs
- •You provided bank account or credit card information
- •Unauthorized charges appearing on accounts
- •You gave out Social Security number or personal details
- •Scammer asked you to download banking or payment apps
- •You sent money through any method (wire, gift cards, crypto)
✅ Protection Tips
- ✓Contact all banks and credit card companies immediately
- ✓Change all online banking passwords and PINs
- ✓Set up fraud alerts on all accounts
- ✓Request new account numbers if information was compromised
- ✓Monitor accounts daily for unauthorized activity
3
Document Everything About the Scam
⚠️HIGH PRIORITY
Gather and preserve all evidence of the scam attempt for reporting to authorities and potential recovery efforts.
🚩 Warning Signs
- •You're tempted to delete embarrassing evidence
- •You don't remember specific details about the interaction
- •You're unsure if what happened was actually a scam
- •You're afraid to admit the full extent of information shared
- •You've already deleted some communications
✅ Protection Tips
- ✓Take screenshots of all emails, texts, and communications
- ✓Write down phone numbers, names, and dates of all contacts
- ✓Save any receipts, transaction records, or payment confirmations
- ✓Record details about how the scammer contacted you initially
- ✓Note any websites, apps, or links the scammer directed you to
4
Report the Scam to Authorities
⚠️HIGH PRIORITY
File reports with appropriate agencies to help track scammers and potentially assist with recovery efforts.
🚩 Warning Signs
- •You're too embarrassed to report what happened
- •You think the amount lost is too small to matter
- •You're unsure which agencies to contact
- •You're afraid reporting will make things worse
- •You think nothing can be done to recover your money
✅ Protection Tips
- ✓File a complaint with the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov
- ✓Report to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)
- ✓Contact your local police department to file a report
- ✓Report phone scams to the FCC at consumercomplaints.fcc.gov
- ✓If romance scam, report to dating site and FBI IC3
5
Place Fraud Alerts on Your Credit
🚨CRITICAL PRIORITY
Protect your credit from unauthorized accounts or changes by placing fraud alerts with all three credit bureaus.
🚩 Warning Signs
- •You shared Social Security number with scammer
- •You provided date of birth, address, or full name
- •Scammer asked about your employment or income
- •You're receiving calls about new credit accounts
- •Your credit score has dropped unexpectedly
✅ Protection Tips
- ✓Place fraud alerts with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion
- ✓Consider freezing your credit if identity theft occurred
- ✓Request free credit reports to check for unauthorized accounts
- ✓Monitor credit reports regularly for suspicious activity
- ✓Sign up for free credit monitoring services
6
Change All Important Passwords
⚠️HIGH PRIORITY
Update passwords for all important accounts, especially if you shared any login credentials with the scammer.
🚩 Warning Signs
- •You shared any passwords or PINs with the scammer
- •You downloaded software or apps at scammer's request
- •Scammer guided you through accessing online accounts
- •You notice unusual activity on your online accounts
- •You're using the same password for multiple accounts
✅ Protection Tips
- ✓Change passwords for banking, email, and social media accounts
- ✓Use strong, unique passwords for each account
- ✓Enable two-factor authentication where available
- ✓Update security questions and backup email addresses
- ✓Consider using a password manager for security
7
Scan Your Computer for Malware
⚠️HIGH PRIORITY
If you downloaded any software or visited websites at the scammer's direction, check your computer for malicious software.
🚩 Warning Signs
- •You downloaded remote access software (TeamViewer, etc.)
- •You visited websites provided by the scammer
- •You entered personal information on unfamiliar websites
- •Your computer is running slower than usual
- •You're seeing pop-ups or unexpected programs running
✅ Protection Tips
- ✓Run a full antivirus scan immediately
- ✓Use anti-malware software like Malwarebytes
- ✓Disconnect from internet until scan is complete
- ✓Change all passwords from a clean device
- ✓Consider having a professional check your computer
8
Notify Relevant Companies and Services
⚡MEDIUM PRIORITY
Contact companies whose names were used by scammers and services that may have been compromised.
🚩 Warning Signs
- •Scammer claimed to be from your bank, utility, or service provider
- •You provided account information for specific companies
- •Scammer mentioned specific accounts or services you use
- •You're receiving follow-up contacts claiming to be from same companies
- •You notice unusual activity with specific service providers
✅ Protection Tips
- ✓Contact companies whose names were used in the scam
- ✓Notify your bank even if no money was taken
- ✓Alert your phone and internet providers about the scam
- ✓Contact your employer if work information was compromised
- ✓Inform your insurance companies if policy info was shared
9
Seek Emotional Support and Don't Blame Yourself
⚠️HIGH PRIORITY
Scam victimization is traumatic. Seek support and remember that scammers are sophisticated criminals who target anyone.
🚩 Warning Signs
- •You're feeling ashamed or embarrassed about being victimized
- •You're isolating yourself from family and friends
- •You're having trouble sleeping or concentrating
- •You feel like you should have known it was a scam
- •You're afraid to tell anyone what happened
✅ Protection Tips
- ✓Talk to trusted family members or friends about what happened
- ✓Remember that even smart, educated people fall for scams
- ✓Consider counseling if you're struggling emotionally
- ✓Join support groups for scam victims if available
- ✓Focus on the steps you're taking to protect yourself now
10
Implement Long-term Protection Strategies
⚡MEDIUM PRIORITY
Learn from the experience and implement ongoing protection strategies to prevent future scam victimization.
🚩 Warning Signs
- •You haven't changed your approach to unsolicited contacts
- •You're still sharing personal information too freely
- •You haven't learned to recognize the red flags that fooled you
- •You're not staying informed about new scam tactics
- •You're not teaching family members about your experience
✅ Protection Tips
- ✓Never give personal information to unsolicited callers
- ✓Always verify contacts independently before taking action
- ✓Set up account alerts and monitor statements regularly
- ✓Stay informed about current scam tactics and trends
- ✓Share your experience to help protect others from similar scams
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