Navigating Scams: A Guide to Recovery and Support

After being scammed, people often experience a range of emotions, including:

• Anger: Feeling furious at being deceived and taken advantage of.

• Embarrassment/Shame: Many feel ashamed or embarrassed that they fell for the scam, especially if they realize it was preventable.

• Guilt: Some individuals may blame themselves for not being more cautious or for trusting the scammer.

• Betrayal: Particularly if the scam involved someone they knew or trusted, there can be feelings of betrayal and hurt.

• Anxiety/Stress: Financial loss can lead to significant stress and anxiety about one's financial situation and future security.

• Vulnerability: Scams can leave individuals feeling vulnerable and wary of trusting others, even in legitimate situations.

• Loss of Trust: Scams can erode trust in institutions, businesses, or even friends and family, leading to skepticism and cynicism.

• Sadness/Depression: Especially if the financial loss was significant, individuals may experience feelings of sadness or depression about their situation.

• Frustration: Dealing with the aftermath of a scam, such as trying to recover lost funds or repair credit, can be frustrating and overwhelming.

• Fear: There may be a lingering fear of future scams or a fear of further consequences from the initial scam.

These feelings are entirely normal reactions to being deceived and exploited, and seeking support from friends, family, or professionals can be helpful in processing these emotions and moving forward.

If you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of being scammed, it's essential to take immediate action to minimize the impact. Here are steps and resources recommended by governmental and state authorities Tennessee Attorney General's Office to help you navigate through and recover from a scam:

1. Cease Contact with the Scammer:

   - Hang up the phone, ignore emails, messages, or letters from the scammer, and refrain from making any further payments.

   - Beware of secondary scammers who may pose as helpers claiming to recover your lost funds.

2. Secure Your Finances:

 "Report potentially compromised bank account, credit, or debit card information to your financial institution(s) immediately. They can assist in canceling or reversing fraudulent transactions.

 Notify the three major credit bureaus to add a fraud alert to your credit report. You may also consider placing a security freeze to prevent unauthorized access.

   - Equifax: https://www.equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services/ | Phone: (800) 525-6285

   - Experian: https://www.experian.com/fraud/center.html#content-01 | Phone: (888) 397-3742

   - TransUnion: https://fraud.transunion.com/fa/fraudAlert/landingPage.jsp | Phone: (800) 680-7289"

3. Check Your Computer:

 Ensure your antivirus software is up-to-date and running. Seek assistance from a reputable computer repair company if needed. Utilize resources like the Better Business Bureau’s website to find trustworthy service providers.

4. Change Your Account Passwords:

 "Update passwords for bank accounts, credit cards, social media, and email accounts with strong, unique passwords to prevent further unauthorized access."

5. Report the Scam:

 Reporting the scam helps protect others and may lead to action against the perpetrators. Report to the following agencies based on the nature of the scam:

Local Law Enforcement: Report to your local police department or sheriff’s office, especially if you suffered financial loss, property damage, or identity theft.

Federal Trade Commission (FTC): Contact the FTC at 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357) or use the Online Complaint Assistant to report various types of fraud.

Identitytheft.gov: Report identity theft and create an Identity Theft Report for a personalized recovery plan.

Better Business Bureau (BBB): Use the BBB Scam Tracker to report scams and raise awareness in your local community.

By following these steps and utilizing the provided resources, you can take proactive measures to address the aftermath of a scam and protect yourself from further impact. If you feel like you could use someone to talk to, our providers are available to offer support.