Resources

Navigating the aftermath of being scammed can be overwhelming, but there are numerous resources and organizations available to help victims in the United States and globally. Below is a list of key resources and contact information for reporting scams, seeking assistance, and learning more about protecting yourself from future scams.

United States Resources

1. Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
   • Purpose: The FTC handles consumer protection and investigates fraud, including online scams, identity theft, and deceptive business practices.
   • How to Report: ReportFraud.ftc.gov
   • Contact Information:
     • Phone: 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357)
     • Website: https://www.ftc.gov
2. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) – Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)
   • Purpose: The IC3 is a division of the FBI that focuses on cybercrime, including online scams, phishing, and other forms of digital fraud.
   • How to Report: www.ic3.gov
   • Contact Information:
     • Website: https://www.fbi.gov
3. Better Business Bureau (BBB)
   • Purpose: The BBB provides a platform for consumers to report scams and fraudulent business practices. It also offers information on businesses and scams.
   • How to Report: BBB Scam Tracker
   • Contact Information:
     • Website: https://www.bbb.org
4. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) – Tax Scams
   • Purpose: The IRS provides resources for reporting tax-related scams, including phishing attempts and fraudulent communications.
   • How to Report: Report Tax Scams
   • Contact Information:
     • Phone: 1-800-366-4484
     • Website: https://www.irs.gov
5. U.S. Postal Inspection Service
   • Purpose: The Postal Inspection Service investigates mail fraud, including scams conducted through the postal system.
   • How to Report: Report Mail Fraud
   • Contact Information:
     • Phone: 1-877-876-2455
     • Website: https://www.uspis.gov

Global Resources

1. INTERPOL
   • Purpose: INTERPOL assists with international law enforcement cooperation, including investigating cross-border scams and fraud.
   • Contact Information:
     • Website: https://www.interpol.int
2. Europol
   • Purpose: Europol works with EU member states and partners to combat international crime, including financial fraud and cybercrime.
   • Contact Information:
     • Website: https://www.europol.europa.eu
3. Action Fraud (UK)
   • Purpose: Action Fraud is the UK’s national reporting center for fraud and cybercrime.
   • How to Report: Action Fraud Report
   • Contact Information:
     • Phone: 0300 123 2040
     • Website: https://www.actionfraud.police.uk
4. Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre
   • Purpose: The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre provides resources for reporting fraud in Canada, including online and financial scams.
   • How to Report: Report Fraud
   • Contact Information:
     • Phone: 1-888-495-8501
     • Website: https://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca
5. Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) – Scamwatch
   • Purpose: Scamwatch provides information on how to recognize, avoid, and report scams in Australia.
   • How to Report: Report a Scam
   • Contact Information:
     • Website: https://www.accc.gov.au

Additional Resources

1. Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC)
   • Purpose: The ITRC provides support and resources for victims of identity theft, including assistance with recovery and prevention tips.
   • Contact Information:
     • Phone: 1-888-400-5530
     • Website: https://www.idtheftcenter.org
2. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)
   • Purpose: The CFPB offers resources for consumers to report financial fraud and receive guidance on how to resolve disputes.
   • Contact Information:
     • Phone: 1-855-411-2372
     • Website: https://www.consumerfinance.gov
3. Online Consumer Complaint Platforms
   • Global Complaint Platform: econsumer.gov (A global portal for reporting scams across multiple countries)

Steps to Take After Being Scammed

1. Report the Incident: Contact the appropriate agency or platform from the list above to report the scam.
2. Protect Your Accounts: Change passwords, monitor financial accounts, and consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze with credit bureaus.
3. Document Everything: Keep records of all communications, transactions, and reports related to the scam.
4. Seek Legal Advice: If necessary, consult with a lawyer to explore your options for recovering lost funds or taking legal action against the perpetrators.

By utilizing these resources, individuals and businesses can take proactive steps to navigate the challenges of being scammed and protect themselves from future incidents.