I think I was scammed. What now?

It is not your fault. Scammers fool people of every age. Acting fast can help.

1. Stop contact

Don't send more money or answer the scammer. Don't trust anyone who calls promising to "recover" your money for a fee. That's often another scam.

2. Call your bank or card company

Use the number on the back of your card. Ask them to stop or reverse payments. If you paid with a gift card, call the gift card company and keep the card and receipt.

3. Report it

• ReportFraud.ftc.gov: Federal Trade Commission
• IC3.gov: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center, for online scams
• Your local police, especially if you lost money

4. Talk to someone

• AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline: 877-908-3360, free for everyone (more info)
• National Elder Fraud Hotline (U.S. Department of Justice), for people 60+: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311) (more info)

5. If they got your personal information

Go to IdentityTheft.gov for a step-by-step recovery plan.

Freeze your credit for free at all three credit bureaus. This stops anyone from opening new accounts in your name:

• Equifax credit freeze
• Experian credit freeze
• TransUnion credit freeze

6. If they got into your computer

Turn it off. Have a trusted repair shop check it. Change your passwords from a different, safe device.