Financial literacy is a set of necessary knowledge and skills that help manage money correctly and make sensible financial decisions. But even the most informed users can find themselves in awkward situations - when they are swindled out of money. The main thing is not to leave such problems unattended. Therefore, everyone should know what to do after being scammed. There is no single and unambiguous rule for preventing falling into the traps of wrongdoers. Since scammers use many schemes, it is necessary to know how to act in various situations.
Actions in case of card fraud and phone calls
When a person falls for a card scam, they need to urgently take several actions. If there are active loans, they should be immediately frozen. This will prevent the fraudsters from using it for personal purposes and opening other credit lines in the victim's name. Next, it is necessary to block all bank cards via online banking. Then, for more reliable protection, it is recommended to enable two-factor authentication (if this feature was not activated earlier). Additionally, it is essential to contact the bank and report the fraudulent activities.
Another popular method of deceiving people is phone calls. It is not always possible to immediately understand that a scammer is on the line.
Over the phone, scammers try to extort confidential information: all banking card details, passport data, and other personal information. In such a case, you can record the conversation on a voice recorder and then file a police report with all the details.
How to get your money back after a fake online store scam. What to do for victims of fake brokers
Online stores can deceive in various ways: selling non-existent products, creating fake websites where scammers collect buyers' payment data, or using non-existent payment details. If the user has made a payment but did not receive the goods, they should contact law enforcement, providing all possible evidence: correspondence with the store and receipts for the payment. Additionally, it is recommended to take screenshots of the official website of the online store.
Currently, there are scams related to money investment: illegally operating brokerage and investment companies. Typically, investors deposit funds, and later scammers block the traders' accounts with the money or refuse to release the profits under various pretexts. In such a situation, it will be difficult to recover investments. However, it can be done with the help of lawyers who specialize in recovering funds or special chargeback services.
Where the victim of fraud is advised to turn to
The primary action in case of fraud is to file a police report. For this, you need to:
- Gather all possible evidence: copies of email, social media, messenger correspondences, contractual agreements, scanned copies of receipts;
- Contact the local police department or another law enforcement agency. It should be done in person;
- Directly file the report. Then an investigation and search for the criminals will begin;
- Interact with the police. It is important to provide all truthful information and always stay in contact.
If the scam occurred on the Internet, it is worth contacting the cyber police. This authority prevents, detects, and solves crimes that arise through internet networks. A request about online fraud can be submitted on the cyber police's website or through the special services' contact information (phone, email, feedback form).
Instructions for victims of fraudsters – how to independently prevent financial fraud
There is no guaranteed positive outcome from contacting law enforcement, cyber police, or chargeback services. Here are a few useful tips that will help prevent contact with scammers:
- Securely protect confidential information. Never disclose logins, passwords, and other details. It is also not advised to use password managers. It is better to create your own reliable code;
- ·Unnecessary documents (receipts, tax declarations) should be immediately destroyed: both electronically and in paper form. Such documentation is an excellent option for stealing personal data;
- It is not recommended to connect to free public Wi-Fi networks. It is better to use mobile internet;
- Do not answer unknown numbers. Scammers often call and start threatening and demanding payment of non-existent fines, paying for winnings, or fabricating other stories.
Never install suspicious apps on your phone. Download games and programs only from verified sources.
If you plan to engage in investments, it is necessary to choose reliable, licensed firms that provide brokerage or investment services in accordance with the current legislation.
Always set a password on your smartphone. Because if you lose it, there is a high chance that the finder will use online banking for personal purposes.
Helping victims of scammers is a necessary measure to enable the deceived to restore justice and return the money stolen by fraudsters. Anyone can fall into the trap of scammers. The main rule is not to despair and immediately start panicking. It is necessary to act immediately.