You've been scammed. Whether you sent money, gave personal information, or both — the immediate financial loss is only part of the picture. Your identity may be at ongoing risk. Here's what to do.

Assess What Was Compromised

The appropriate response depends on what the scammer obtained:

  • Credit/debit card numbers: Contact your bank immediately to cancel and reissue. Review recent transactions.
  • Bank account information: Contact your bank. Consider changing account numbers.
  • SSN: Freeze your credit at all three bureaus immediately. Get an IRS IP PIN.
  • Driver's license: Report to your DMV. Fraud alert your credit.
  • Passwords: Change them everywhere the same password was used. Enable 2FA.
  • Email address only: Enable 2FA on your email. Watch for phishing targeting your other accounts.

Freeze Your Credit Immediately

If any financial or identifying information was shared, freeze your credit at all three bureaus today. It's free, takes minutes, and prevents new accounts from being opened in your name.

  • Equifax: equifax.com or 800-685-1111
  • Experian: experian.com or 888-397-3742
  • TransUnion: transunion.com or 888-909-8872

Report and Document

Monitor Continuously

Stolen data may not be used immediately — it gets packaged and sold. Your information may resurface months or years later. Use identity monitoring to track ongoing risk to your personal information.

Sources: FTC; FBI IC3; ITRC.