Scammed Over the Phone or Online?

Here’s What You Need to Know and How to Protect Yourself

Scams are becoming more sophisticated, specially those scammed over the phone, with fraudsters using a variety of methods to trick victims. According to recent reports, Americans lost over $10 billion to online scams in 2023, marking a 47% increase from the previous year.

If you’ve ever been targeted, you’re not alone. One in ten U.S. adults has fallen victim to a phone scam in the last 12 months, with the average financial loss totaling around $1,500 per victim.

While these statistics are alarming, there’s hope. By taking the right steps and being vigilant, you can protect yourself from falling prey to these scams again.

Why Scams Are on the Rise

The rise in scams can be attributed to several factors, including the increasing reliance on digital communication, social media, and mobile phones. Fraudsters are constantly refining their tactics to seem more credible, often posing as trusted authorities like government agencies, banks, or even your friends and family. They exploit our trust, creating a sense of urgency or fear to push victims into acting quickly without thinking.

How to Spot Common Scams

Whether over the phone or online, scammers use certain tactics to make their scams appear legitimate. Here’s what to watch for:

• Urgency: Scammers often claim that immediate action is required. “Your account has been compromised” or “You owe back taxes” are common lines designed to pressure you.
• Unsolicited Contact: If you receive a random phone call or email claiming you’ve won a prize or need to confirm personal information, be suspicious.
• Requests for Payment: Scammers may ask for payment via unusual methods, like gift cards or wire transfers, which are hard to trace.
• Generic Language: Emails or calls that use vague language, like “Dear Customer” instead of your name, are often a red flag.

What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed

If you’ve fallen victim to a scam, it’s important not to panic. Follow these steps immediately:

1. Stop Communication: Cut off contact with the scammer, whether through phone, email, or social media.
2. Report It: Report the incident to the relevant authorities, such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) for U.S. residents. This helps track scams and warn others.
3. Contact Your Bank: If financial information was compromised, contact your bank immediately to freeze accounts or stop any unauthorized transactions.
4. Recover Lost Accounts: If the scam involved social media or online account breaches, reach out to the platform’s support team to recover access.

How We Can Help

Being scammed over the phone or online can feel overwhelming, but our team of experts is here to guide you through the recovery process and help you protect yourself moving forward. We offer personalized assistance in navigating scams, recovering lost accounts, and implementing stronger security measures.

Don’t let scammers win—reach out today to ensure you’re better protected against future threats.

Get Help