Think I’m being scammed. What do I do now?

Here are a few things you can do when you think you’re being scammed:

When you suspect someone is trying to scam you, don’t respond in any way.

Ignore any suspicious emails, letters or pop-up boxes. If it’s phone call, just let it ring or hang up. If someone comes to your door, move away. Just kidding, just close the door and walk away. If he persists, call the police or your armed response unit. If the person says that s/he’s from an organization that you recognize, report the incident to the organization immediately. Resist the temptation to try and outsmart the scammer, remember that you can’t con a con.

If you’ve already responded to a scam, end all further communications.

A smart fraudster will always try to re-establish contact with someone who gave them hope of succeeding in their scam. In this case, don’t be tempted, doesn’t matter what they say. If you really have to, cancel your email address or phone number to end contact with this persistent person.

When you’ve given a fraudster:

Bank account info: Contact your bank right away. The bank can put a fraud alert on your accounts, close any accounts that were compromised or change you PINs or passwords.

Debit or credit card info: Contact the number you find on the back of your card. They will then list your card and closer the account.

Personal info (ID number): Notify the police immediately, you’ll also have to change your ID number at home affairs.

When things have gone too far.

Now you are already involved and communicating with the scammer or have sent money and think you may have been scammed. If they posed as a company, report this to the company so they can start an investigation. If not, find out from your local police station who you can talk to about your specific case.

Limit the personal info you put on social media.

This is particularly important. So many people don’t check their privacy settings on social media and thus allows scammers to get much more info from you. Info that can help them do SIM swops and gain access to your banking details and so on. Use the privacy settings to limit who sees what, this way only close friends and family will it.

What if you’re a victim of fraud?

Credit Card Fraud.

1.    Notify your bank immediately.

2.    Tell them of any fraudulent activity on your account.

3.    Have them block and close the account.

4.    Identify any other fraudulent activity that may be on your account.

5.    Complete any forms for claims they request.

6.    If you’re still in possession of the card, shred it or cut it into small pieces before you throw it away. Better yet, burn it rather. Just to be safe.

Debit Card Fraud

If your debit card number has been stolen or used fraudulently:

1.    Immediately notify your bank.

2.    Inform them of any known fraudulent activity on your account.

3.    Have them block the debit card number.

4.    Make sure none of your own checks have been refused payment (bounced) because the fraudulent activity reduced your balance.

5.    Identify any other fraudulent activity that may be on your account.

6.    Complete any “claim” forms they request.

7.    If you are still in possession of the card, shred it or cut it into small pieces before throwing it away.

Checking Account fraud

If your checking account number has been stolen or charged fraudulently:

1.    Immediately notify your bank.

2.    Inform them of any known fraudulent activity on your account.

3.    Have the bank close the checking account and issue you a new account number and debit card.

4.    Identify any other fraudulent activity that may be on your account.

5.    Make sure none of your own checks have been refused payment (bounced) because the fraudulent activity reduced your balance.

6.    Complete any “claim” forms they request.

7.    Destroy any remaining checks or debit cards you have for the account. Shred or cut them into small pieces.

Identity Theft

Identity theft occurs when a criminal obtains personal information, including:

• Your name
• Your address (and perhaps address history)
• Your Social Security number
• Your driver’s license number
• Your bank and card account numbers
• Your mother’s maiden name
• Your birth date and/or birth place

The best way to help prevent or stop your details from being used, is to report it to the police as soon as possible. They will give you the documentation necessary to proof that your identity has been copied.