How to Protect Yourself
Practical, expert-backed strategies to keep you and your family safe from online scams and fraud.
Protection Strategies
Click any category to expand detailed steps and actionable advice.
If You've Already Been Scammed
Act quickly. The faster you respond, the better your chances of minimizing damage and recovering losses.
Contact Your Bank Immediately
Call the number on the back of your card to freeze accounts and dispute fraudulent charges.
Report to the FTC
File a report at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. This helps authorities track and stop scammers.
Freeze Your Credit
Contact Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion to place a credit freeze and prevent new accounts from being opened.
Change All Passwords
Update passwords for email, banking, and any accounts that may have been compromised.
File a Police Report
A local police report creates an official record that may be required by banks or insurers.
Seek Support
Contact the Identity Theft Resource Center (1-888-400-5530) for free expert guidance.
Trusted Resources
Official government and nonprofit organizations dedicated to fraud prevention.
FTC Consumer Information
Report scams and get recovery guidance from the Federal Trade Commission.
FBI Internet Crime Center
File cybercrime complaints with the FBI's dedicated internet crime division.
CISA Cybersecurity
National cybersecurity tips and alerts from the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Agency.
Identity Theft Resource
Free assistance for identity theft victims from a dedicated nonprofit organization.
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