Getting scammed online can feel upsetting and confusing. You might feel embarrassed or not want to bother your family with it. But you are not alone, and there are simple steps you can take right now to protect yourself.
Quick Answer
If you think you have been scammed, act quickly. Stop all contact with the scammer right away. Change your passwords and call your bank or credit card company. The sooner you act, the better chance you have to stop the damage.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Stop all contact with the scammer immediately. Do not reply to any emails, text messages, or phone calls from them. Every message you send gives them more information to use against you.
- Change the passwords on your important accounts. Start with your email, online banking, and any shopping websites you use. Use a strong password that is hard to guess, like a mix of random words and numbers.
- Call your bank or credit card company right away. Tell them you think you have been scammed. They can freeze your accounts or block any new charges to stop the scammer from taking more money.
- Check your bank and credit card statements for strange charges. Look for purchases you did not make, even small ones. Scammers often test with tiny amounts first, then take larger sums later.
- Report the scam to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. You can call them or use their website. This helps them warn others in your area, including folks in Simcoe County.
- Run a virus scan on your computer if you clicked a link or downloaded a file. Use the security program that came with your computer, or ask for help to install one. Scammers sometimes hide harmful software that steals your information.
- Tell a trusted family member or friend what happened. They can help you watch for more scams and offer support. You do not have to handle this alone.
If That Did Not Work, Try This
- Contact your local police department's non-emergency line. Explain what happened and give them any details you have, like the scammer's email address or phone number.
- Ask a trusted neighbour or your local senior centre for help. Many communities in Barrie, Innisfil, and Collingwood have volunteers who help seniors with computer problems.
- Call Senior Help directly for one-on-one support. We can walk you through each step over the phone or visit your home if needed.
Quick Tips to Prevent This Next Time
- Never share personal information online with strangers. That includes your Social Insurance Number, bank account numbers, or passwords. Legitimate companies will not ask for these by email or text.
- If an offer seems too good to be true, it likely is. Emails that say you won a prize you never entered are scams. Delete them without clicking anything.
- Hang up on robocalls and do not press any buttons. Pressing a number often leads to more scam calls. Just hang up and block the number if you can.
- Use strong passwords that are different for each account. Write them down in a safe place, like a notebook you keep in a drawer. Do not use the same password for everything.
Still Having Trouble?
If you are still worried or confused, Senior Help is here for you. We offer in-home tech support visits for seniors in Barrie, Innisfil, Collingwood, and all of Simcoe County, Ontario. Our friendly helpers will sit with you, answer your questions, and make sure your computer and accounts are safe. You can reach us at (705) 528-4582. Give us a call – it is never too late to get help.
Related Help
- How to spot a fake email from a bank
- What to do if someone asks for your password
- How to set up two-factor authentication (a second layer of security) on your accounts