If a scammer has sent you money, it’s important to act quickly to protect yourself and your financial information.
Here are a few steps you should take
Do not spend the money
Even if you desperately need the money, do not spend it. Scammers often send money to their victims as part of a larger scam, and spending the money may make it more difficult to get it back.
Contact your bank
If the money was sent to your bank account, contact your bank as soon as possible. Explain the situation and ask them to freeze the account or block the transaction.
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Report the scam
If you have been the victim of a scam, it’s important to report it to the authorities. Contact your local police department and file a report. You can also report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
Change your passwords
If you have shared any sensitive information with the scammer, such as your login credentials, your username, e-mail, or financial information, change your passwords as soon as possible.
Monitor your accounts
Keep a close eye on your accounts and monitor for any unusual activity. If you notice any unauthorized charges or transactions, report them to your bank or credit card company immediately.
Can I get in trouble if I accept money from scammers?
It is possible that you could get in trouble if you accept money from scammers, especially if you do so knowingly. In some cases, accepting money from scammers could be considered aiding and abetting a crime, which could result in criminal charges being brought against you.
Even if you are not aware that the money you are receiving is from a scammer, you could still face consequences. For example, if you receive money from a scammer and then spend it, you may be required to return the money to the victim or to the authorities.
It’s important to remember that scammers often target individuals and businesses with the goal of stealing their money or personal information. If you suspect that you are being targeted by a scammer, it’s important to protect yourself and your finances by refusing to send any money or share any personal information.
Our investigations into Common Scams of 2024
How do I return the money I got from scammers?
If you have received money from a scammer and want to return it, there are a few steps you can take:
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Contact your bank
Contact your bank immediately if money is received in your account. Request they freeze the account or block the transaction. They may assist in returning the funds to the victim or authorities.
Contact the authorities
If you are unable to return the money directly to the victim, you may need to contact the authorities. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) are both agencies that can help you report the scam and return the money to the victim.
Seek legal advice
If you are unsure of how to return the money or if you are concerned about potential legal consequences, it may be a good idea to seek legal advice. An attorney can help you understand your rights and responsibilities and can advise you on the best course of action.
Returning the money to the victim or to the authorities can help you make amends and protect yourself from any legal consequences. It’s important to act quickly and to follow the steps outlined above in order to minimize any potential problems.
Expose a Scammer
The following phone numbers, websites, and emails have been reported to us by the consumer. If you feel this information is incorrect, you may submit a request for removal or correction by contacting us using this form.
Submit phone numbers, websites, or email addresses associated with a scam. Your submission will be published as soon as it gets reviewed by one of our staff members.
Our investigations into Common Scams of 2024
Attention: Consumers who have been contacted by scammers could have had their personal information breached. TotalScam!™ highly recommends that consumers whose information has been breached obtain an identity theft protection service immediately.
There are several companies that offer identity theft protection in the US. One of the most inexpensive options we were able to find is the protection offered by LifeLock. You can start your protection here.
Disclaimer: The information and opinions contained on this site are not endorsed by LifeLock. TotalScam!™ receives compensation from LifeLock. This helps support our scam prevention efforts.
