Are you wondering what to do next after being scammed online? We will show you the ideal steps to take.
In today’s digital age, online scams have become increasingly prevalent, and many people fall victim to them. It can be a profoundly distressing experience if you’ve been scammed online.
However, it’s important to remember that you are not alone, and there are steps you can take to protect yourself and potentially recover your losses. This comprehensive guide will provide a clear roadmap on what to do if you’ve been scammed online.
Anyone who has become a victim of Internet fraud wonders what steps to take after the scam. We will show you the types of Internet fraud and the following line of action.
If you’ve been scammed online, the best-known cases are phishing (online banking fraud) and identity theft on the Internet.
Table of Contents
Types Of Internet Fraud
1. Phishing attack
Internet fraud has become the focus of citizens’ attention, mainly through phishing. Phishing means the Internet user goes to a fake website, a fraudulent email or a false message.
The Internet user trusts the source and discloses data there. The best example of this is the bank’s website for online banking.
Professional phishing fraudsters imitate banks’ websites in detail and use illegally installed software or emails with untrue content.
The scammers then send corresponding links to direct Internet users to the wrong offer.
Once there, Internet users unsuspectingly give away their login data for online banking. Phishing fraudsters can now log in and control their online banking account.
Online banking is, therefore, always the target of Internet fraudsters.
What should you do if you have become a victim of phishing?
Anyone who has experienced Internet fraud should immediately consult a lawyer familiar with the circumstances. Repayment claims against your bank will probably have to be initiated and enforced in a legally secure manner.
Get a lawyer for phishing.
What can a lawyer do if phishing or other Internet fraud has taken place at your expense? A law firm specializing in IT law is generally familiar with the circumstances of Internet law.
A good internet fraud lawyer reacts quickly to the case, initiates everything legally necessary and helps you to fight the consequences of online scams.
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2. Online banking scams
Online banking is only secure as long as the login data are protected. Phishing usually occurs in such a way that Internet users are asked to enter their login data for “test purposes” or “unblock” their account.
Internet users prompted to do so by a real-looking email or website should immediately call their bank and ask whether these emails are authentic. Banks are susceptible to Internet fraud and can quickly tell you if something is wrong and what to do.
What should you do after the leaked online banking login details?
No sensitive Internet fraud can occur in online banking with intact login data. Only by knowing the login details can fraudsters carry out transfers.
However, the login details are also obtained and used through phishing. The result is that Internet fraudsters transfer several thousand dollars to their account.
It is then complicated to approach Internet fraudsters legally. Therefore, legal claims would have to be asserted against the bank in the case of online banking fraud.
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3. Identity Theft
Another form of online scam is identity theft.
Identity theft has a lot of painful consequences for the person affected. In the case of identity theft, you should get a lawyer who will immediately take care of the legal dimension of such Internet fraud.
What is the following line of action after an online scam through identity theft?
Identity theft is performed automatically by Internet fraudsters in online banking fraud.
They log in with foreign data and make a transfer, giving the executing bank a false identity. But other identity thefts are also conceivable.
Anyone logging onto third-party Amazon accounts and placing orders there is also deceiving himself about his identity.
Get a lawyer involved in identity theft.
An identity theft attorney should specialize in IT law and specifically Internet law. The law ensures that the attorney or the firm knows the incidents associated with this type of Internet fraud.
In particular, any contracts erroneously concluded under your identity will have to be cleared out.
The money must be retrieved if the fraudsters use identity theft for online banking fraud. For this purpose, the Internet fraud lawyer must vigorously enforce legal claims against the bank.
READ ALSO: 5 Common Online Scam Tactics
Best Identity Protection Services
What Next After Being Scammed Online: Reporting a Scam
The first and most crucial step after being scammed online is to report the incident. By reporting the scam, you not only help yourself but also contribute to the prevention of future scams.
There are various channels through which you can report different types of scams, depending on your location and the nature of the fraud.
Action Fraud (England and Wales)
If you live in England or Wales, the national fraud and cybercrime reporting center, Action Fraud, should be your primary point of contact.
You can report scams to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040. Their team of experts will guide you through the process and assist accordingly.
Police Scotland (Scotland)
For individuals residing in Scotland, it is recommended to report scams to Police Scotland by dialing 101.
They have dedicated resources to handle scam-related incidents and can provide you with the necessary guidance and support.
Trading Standards (Consumer Complaints)
If the scam involves a company that has acted illegally or unfairly, you can report it to Trading Standards using the Citizens Advice consumer helpline at 0808 223 1133.
Trading Standards investigates cases where companies have pressured individuals into making unwanted purchases or have failed to deliver services as promised.
Phishing Scams and Computer Viruses
You can still report these incidents if you have received phishing emails or encountered computer viruses but haven’t fallen victim to them. Phishing scams involve scammers sending fake messages via email, text, or social media to obtain your personal information.
You can help prevent others from becoming victims by reporting these phishing attempts. Additionally, writing computer viruses helps authorities identify potential threats and take appropriate action.
Getting Support After Being Scammed Online
Being scammed can be an emotionally challenging experience, and it’s essential to seek support to cope with the aftermath. Support is available from various organizations that specialize in assisting scam victims.
These organizations provide emotional and practical support to help you navigate recovery.
Victim Support
Victim Support is an independent charity that offers support to victims of crime or traumatic events. When you report a scam to Action Fraud in England or Wales, they may pass your details to Victim Support, who will contact you to offer free support.
If you live in England or Wales, you can also contact Victim Support directly at 0808 168 9111. Victim Support Scotland can be reached at 0800 160 1985 for individuals in Scotland.
Family and Friends
Talking to family and friends about your experience can provide additional emotional support. They can offer a listening ear, empathy, and advice based on their experiences or knowledge.
Sharing your feelings and concerns with loved ones can be cathartic and help you process the emotions associated with being scammed.
Show/report Internet fraud.
Anyone who has become a victim of Internet fraud – in whatever form – should report the case as soon as possible. There is no point in complaining about the damage and talking to friends and relatives about it.
There must be legal consequences for the perpetrators, and the damage caused must be repaired. Reporting and reporting Internet fraud is, therefore, the right choice.
Reporting Internet fraud to the police
First of all, get the police informed that you have become a victim of an online scam.
The police will investigate and need your help. In any case, you must notify the police of all incidents and consequences so that they can react quickly.
However, if you have lost money because of online banking fraud, the police cannot help you recover it. However, an Internet fraud law firm or an IT law attorney can do this for you.
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Use the consumer protection service.
Consumer protection is also a good contact point for victims of Internet fraud.
Consumer protection can give you some initial helpful advice and an idea of precisely what kind of Internet fraud took place. Legal advice is also possible. However, ensure that the consumer protection legal advisor is familiar with your case of Internet fraud or online banking fraud.
Hire an Internet fraud lawyer.
Using an Internet fraud lawyer makes sense if you’ve lost money. The bank has to refund the money. However, not every online banking scam automatically leads to repayment claims against the bank.
For example, the bank will legally resist refunding you if you lose your money due to gross negligence. You should consult a Cyber-fraud investigation firm such as SpyCloud that will thoroughly check the legal situation and then force the bank to make payment.
Avoiding Scams in the Future
While being scammed can be a traumatic experience, it’s crucial to learn from it and take steps to prevent future scams.
Adopting certain practices and being vigilant can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to scams.
Spotting and Avoiding Scams
Educating yourself about common scam tactics and red flags is the first defense against scammers. Here are some tips to help you spot and avoid scams:
Be skeptical of unsolicited communications: Scammers often initiate contact through unsolicited phone calls, emails, or text messages. Be cautious when dealing with unfamiliar individuals or organizations.
Verify the legitimacy of requests: Double-check their identity if someone asks for personal or financial information. Legitimate organizations will never ask for sensitive information via email or text.
Beware of high-pressure tactics: Scammers often use urgency, limited-time offers, or threats to manipulate their victims. Take a step back and evaluate the situation before making any decisions.
Secure your online presence: Use strong, unique passwords for your online accounts and enable two-factor authentication whenever possible. Regularly update your devices and use reputable antivirus software to protect against malware.
Research before making financial decisions: Before investing money or making large purchases, thoroughly research the company or individual involved. Look for reviews, check their credentials, and seek advice from trusted sources.
Friends Against Scams
Friends Against Scams is an initiative that educates people about scams and empowers them to take a stand against fraud. Signing up as a Scam Marshal can help raise awareness and protect others from falling victim to scams.
Joining this initiative allows you to access resources, learn about the latest scam trends, and actively contribute to the fight against scams.
Getting Your Money Back After Being Scammed Online
While recovering your money after being scammed can be challenging, there are steps you can take to maximize your chances of reimbursement.
The possibility of getting your money back depends on factors such as the payment method used and the prompt actions taken.
Contact Your Bank
If you’ve provided scammers with your banking details or suspect fraudulent activity on your account, contact your bank immediately.
Inform them about the scam and any unauthorized transactions. Depending on the circumstances, they may be able to freeze your account, reverse fraudulent charges, or provide guidance on the following steps to take.
Credit Card Protection
If you paid using a credit card, you may have additional protection under the Consumer Credit Act.
Contact your credit card provider to report the scam and inquire about the possibility of a chargeback. A chargeback allows you to dispute a transaction and request a refund from the merchant’s bank.
MoneyHelper Guidance
MoneyHelper provides free and impartial guidance on various financial matters, including what to do if you’ve been scammed or fallen victim to identity theft.
They offer advice on navigating the process of getting your money back and provide resources to help you understand your rights and options.
What To Do If You’ve Been Scammed Online: FAQs
What first steps should I take if I think I’ve been scammed online?
- Stop communication: Immediately cease all contact with the scammer, and don’t reply to emails, calls, or messages. Engaging further might worsen the situation.
- Secure your accounts: Change passwords for compromised accounts like email, bank, or social media. Enable multi-factor authentication for added security.
- Report the scam: File a report with the authorities like the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in the US or your local cybercrime unit. This helps track scams and potentially recover funds.
- Gather evidence: Save screenshots, emails, transaction details, and any other documentation related to the scam. This will be helpful for reporting and potential legal action.
- Monitor your accounts: Closely monitor your financial accounts for suspicious activity and report any unauthorized transactions immediately.
What type of scams should I be aware of?
Online scams come in many forms, but some common ones include:
- Phishing: Deceptive emails or messages mimicking legitimate sources to steal personal information.
- Fake online stores: Websites offering attractive deals on non-existent or low-quality products.
- Investment scams: Promises of high returns with little risk, often targeting vulnerable individuals.
- Romance scams: Building emotional connections online to manipulate victims into sending money or revealing sensitive information.
- Tech support scams: Unsolicited calls claiming to fix non-existent computer problems and charging exorbitant fees.
Can I get my money back if I’ve been scammed?
Unfortunately, recovering lost funds can be challenging. However, reporting the scam and acting quickly can increase your chances.
Contact your bank about potential chargebacks, report to payment processors like PayPal, and explore legal options with authorities. Prevention is critical, so be cautious online and verify before engaging with offers or individuals.
What resources are available to help me recover from a scam?
- Government agencies: The FTC in the US offers resources and complaint forms. Many countries have similar agencies dedicated to consumer protection.
- Identity theft services: If your personal information is compromised, consider identity theft protection services to monitor your credit and alert you of suspicious activity.
- Support groups: Online communities offer emotional support and connect you with others who have experienced similar situations.
How can I avoid getting scammed online in the future?
- Be skeptical of unsolicited offers: If something seems too good to be true, it probably is—research before committing to any online purchases or investments.
- Verify information: Don’t rely solely on website information. Check reviews, ratings, and contact details before engaging.
- Protect your personal information: Be cautious about sharing personal details online, especially with unknown individuals or websites.
- Use strong passwords and secure your devices: Implement strong passwords for online accounts and keep your devices updated with security patches.
- Beware of phishing attempts: Attention email addresses, sender names, and website URLs closely. Avoid clicking on suspicious links or attachments.
Remember, staying informed and practicing caution online can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to scams. Don’t hesitate to seek help and report suspicious activity to protect yourself and others.
Conclusion
Being scammed online can be a distressing experience, but remember that you are not alone.
By taking immediate action, reporting the scam, seeking support, and learning from the experience, you can protect yourself and others from falling victim to scams in the future.
Stay vigilant, educate yourself about common scams, and take proactive measures to safeguard your personal and financial information.
So what happens after being scammed online?
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About the Author:
Daniel Segun is the Founder and CEO of SecureBlitz Cybersecurity Media, with a background in Computer Science and Digital Marketing. When not writing, he's probably busy designing graphics or developing websites.
Meet Angela Daniel, an esteemed cybersecurity expert and the Associate Editor at SecureBlitz. With a profound understanding of the digital security landscape, Angela is dedicated to sharing her wealth of knowledge with readers. Her insightful articles delve into the intricacies of cybersecurity, offering a beacon of understanding in the ever-evolving realm of online safety.
Angela's expertise is grounded in a passion for staying at the forefront of emerging threats and protective measures. Her commitment to empowering individuals and organizations with the tools and insights to safeguard their digital presence is unwavering.
