{"id":10528,"date":"2021-01-25T11:56:11","date_gmt":"2021-01-25T19:56:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/socialcatfish.com\/blog\/?p=10528"},"modified":"2026-01-22T11:44:23","modified_gmt":"2026-01-22T19:44:23","slug":"what-to-do-when-scammed-out-of-money","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wp.socialcatfish.cloud\/scamfish\/what-to-do-when-scammed-out-of-money\/","title":{"rendered":"What To Do When Scammed Out of Money"},"content":{"rendered":"

Have you been scammed out of money or worry that someone might be trying to steal from you, on or offline? Whether you\u2019ve already lost funds or are afraid that a fraudster, catfish<\/a>, or romance scammer<\/a> is trying to dupe you and steal your finances, these are the steps that you should take! You don\u2019t have to stay silent or be a victim. Use this 5 step process to safeguard your assets, report financial crimes, and keep your money where it belongs\u2026 in your bank account!<\/a><\/p>\n

5 Steps on\u00a0What To Do When Scammed Out of Money<\/strong><\/h2>\n[aesop_image img=”https:\/\/socialcatfish.com\/scamfish\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/One-hundred-dollar-bills-485464-scaled.jpg” panorama=”off” imgwidth=”100%” align=”center” lightbox=”off” captionsrc=”custom” captionposition=”center” revealfx=”off” overlay_revealfx=”off”]\n

Remember, if you\u2019ve been scammed out of money<\/a>, you are not alone. Regardless of whether your scammer was someone you knew, an online connection, or a stranger, don\u2019t be surprised if you feel betrayed. This is common and that fear reaction will occur whether you lost twenty dollars or thousands.<\/em> You may not have chosen to lose money or be victimized, but you can take action.<\/p>\n

THIS IS WHAT TO DO\u2026<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Step 1: Document Everything<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The moment that you realize or suspect that you\u2019ve been scammed<\/a> or that someone is trying to financially trick or betray you, your job as a reporter of events begins. Take screenshots of everything that the scammer has sent to you and save all interaction\u2014 including voicemails, letters, a web trail showing suspicious online activity, text messages<\/a>, scammer\u2019s profiles<\/a>, and emails<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Safely store and save all documentation using an easy-to-find file name and, if you want to find out the scammer\u2019s real location, look at their online profiles<\/a> and report that to police<\/a> \u2014consider completing a smart search<\/a> by name, phone number, email address, username, or photograph to find any linked accounts or other profiles.<\/p>\n

Step 2: Protect Your Other Assets<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Even if you believe that a scammer only stole the gift cards<\/a> or money that you gave them willingly (even if it was under false pretenses, since they were lying to you), don\u2019t let down your guard. They may have hacked into your accounts and acquired your Social Security Number<\/a>, bank account<\/a>, and financial logins, or access to your credit or email accounts. Underestimating a scammer\u2019s reach can cause you total financial ruin! Be thorough!
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\nThe moment that you notice suspicious activity, on or offline, safeguard your online passwords<\/a>, add 2-step authentication<\/a> to your accounts, update your account security questions, and set up notifications with your bank or credit cards to alert you of suspicious activity and\/or transactions and purchases.<\/p>\n[aesop_image img=”https:\/\/socialcatfish.com\/scamfish\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Businessman-smashing-a-piggy-bank-765241-1-scaled.jpg” panorama=”off” imgwidth=”100%” align=”center” lightbox=”off” captionsrc=”custom” captionposition=”center” revealfx=”off” overlay_revealfx=”off”]\n

Step 3: Report the Crime<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Report the financial scam to the following sources:
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\nPolice:<\/strong> File a police report with your local police station. Provide them with all the details and proof of the crime. Even if they don\u2019t actively pursue your case (because it occurred online), the report may help you fight fraudulent purchases or help you receive extended protection coverage for your financial or credit accounts.<\/p>\n

Get a Credit Freeze:<\/strong> Place a credit freeze on your credit report: See Here<\/a>. This is an important step, especially if you believe that any of your personal identifiers (Social Security Number, Driver\u2019s License, Bank, or Credit Card Information<\/a>, etc.) have been stolen through identity theft, a data breach, or by a romance scammer or fraudster.<\/p>\n

Report the Crime Online:<\/strong> The Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) logs complaints about any crime involving the internet: See Here<\/a>. Meanwhile, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) logs complaints about consumer and online fraud. Is it essential that you file the details of your situation, as the FTC will look for trends by scammers: See Here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Step <\/strong>4: Do a Comprehensive Online Search<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Make the move to protect your information in the future. Search<\/a> your own name, online, and discover the information that scammers are able to uncover about you. A comprehensive search may give scammers access to private or personal information you never expected. Make your social accounts private and control what fraudsters, scammers, tricksters, and thieves could learn about you. Social Catfish scours<\/a> the web and pulls information from data sources that scammers use.<\/p>\n

Step 5: \u00a0Take Your Power Back!<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Don\u2019t let a scammer also steal your joy! As terrible as being scammed is and as real and devastating as the effects are, people who commit financial crimes shouldn\u2019t be given the power to ruin every aspect of your life. You are a survivor and happiness can be yours again.<\/p>\n

Social Catfish is Here to Help You on What To Do When Scammed Out of Money!<\/h2>\n

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