If you think you've been scammed

It happens to smart, careful people every day. You did the right thing by stopping to look. Go one step at a time.

Tell your family

One tap texts your family helpers so someone calls you now.

1. Call your bank or card company

If you paid, gave card or bank details, or let someone into your computer, call now. Ask them to stop the payment and watch the account.

Use the number on the back of your card or on a statement, not one from a message or a caller.
2. Freeze your credit

A freeze is free and stops anyone opening new accounts in your name. Do it with all three bureaus.
- Equifax or call 1-888-298-0045
- Experian or call 1-888-397-3742
- TransUnion or call 1-888-909-8872
3. Change passwords

Start with email, then your bank. If someone was in your computer, have a trusted person check it before you sign in to anything. Never reuse the same password.
4. Report it
- Report to the FTC: the Federal Trade Commission collects scam reports and shares them with law enforcement.
- Identity theft recovery plan: if they got your Social Security number or opened accounts in your name.
- Report to the FBI (IC3): for online scams, especially if money was wired or sent as crypto.
Over 60? The National Elder Fraud Hotline helps you report and recover: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311).
5. Write down what happened

Dates, names, numbers, amounts and how you paid. Keep receipts and screenshots. It helps the bank and the police.

PonchoGuard is careful, not perfect. If you are in danger, call 911.