I Think I Was Scammed. What Should I Do?
Scams can happen through phone calls, emails, text messages, websites, social media, or even in person.
What’s happening?
Scams can happen through phone calls, emails, text messages, websites, social media, or even in person.
How these scams work
- You sent money because you believed a request was real.
- You shared a password, security code, or personal information.
- You clicked a suspicious link or gave someone access to your device.
If you think you may have been scammed, don't be embarrassed. Scammers are skilled at creating pressure and making situations feel real.
The most important thing is to stop the scam from continuing and protect your accounts and information.
Common warning signs
You may have encountered a scam if someone:
- Pressured you to act immediately
- Asked for passwords or verification codes
- Requested unusual payment methods
- Asked you to purchase gift cards
- Asked for remote access to your computer
- Pretended to be a bank, government agency, technology company, or someone you know
- Asked you to keep the situation secret
What you should do
The best next step depends on what happened.
- If you sent money, contact your bank or payment provider immediately using an official phone number or website.
- If you gave away a password, change it immediately using the account's official website or app.
- If you gave away a verification code, secure the affected account immediately and check for unfamiliar activity.
- If you gave someone remote access to your computer, stop communicating with them and get help securing the computer and your accounts.
- If you gave away sensitive personal information, consider reporting the incident and taking appropriate identity-protection steps.
- Don't send additional money or information.
- Write down what happened while you remember the details, including phone numbers, emails, websites, amounts, and what information you shared.
- Save relevant messages or emails if they may be useful when reporting the scam.
Stop here
Don't send more money because someone promises they can recover money you already lost.
Be especially cautious of anyone who contacts you afterward claiming to be a "recovery service" and asking for payment or sensitive information.
If you're unsure what to do next, stop and get help before taking further action.
Still having trouble?
You don’t have to figure it out alone.
LoTyde Tech Assistance provides friendly, patient technology help for residents throughout Indiana County and surrounding communities.
If you’ve tried the basic troubleshooting steps and still need help, we’re here to help.
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