First, contact your bank or credit card company immediately. Report the fraudulent transaction and request a chargeback. Act quickly; the sooner you report it, the better your chances of recovering your money.
Next, file a report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud. ftc. gov. Provide detailed information about the scam, including dates, amounts, and any contact information you have for the scammers. This helps law enforcement track and potentially disrupt these operations.
Reporting to Law Enforcement
Consider filing a police report with your local authorities. While recovery isn’t guaranteed, a police report strengthens your case with your bank and provides data for investigations into these scams.
Protecting Yourself in the Future
Review your credit report for any unauthorized activity. You can obtain a free credit report annually from AnnualCreditReport. com. Monitor your accounts closely for unusual charges. Be wary of unsolicited calls, texts, or emails promising medication. Only purchase medication from reputable pharmacies.
Additional Resources
The Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) also accepts reports of internet-related crimes, including online scams. Their website is ic3.gov. Consider consulting with a consumer protection agency in your area for further assistance and advice.
What Not To Do
Do not engage further with the scammers. Do not provide any additional personal or financial information. Do not attempt to resolve the situation independently without involving your bank and the authorities. Ignoring these steps could compromise your safety and reduce your chances of recovery.
