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Difference between revisions of "If You've Been Scammed"
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Immediately stop all communication with the person or company involved in the scam. | Immediately stop all communication with the person or company involved in the scam. | ||
==Step 2. Gather any information you have== | |||
Gather any records you have relating to the scam - any emails or other communication with the scammer, banking statements, contracts, and marketing materials used for the scam (such as brochures or online ads). | Gather any records you have relating to the scam - any emails or other communication with the scammer, banking statements, contracts, and marketing materials used for the scam (such as brochures or online ads). | ||
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Leave room on your list for steps you take going forward. As you contact authorities, financial institutions, and other agencies, keep track of their contact details and any information you learn. This will help clear your name and re-establish your credit. | Leave room on your list for steps you take going forward. As you contact authorities, financial institutions, and other agencies, keep track of their contact details and any information you learn. This will help clear your name and re-establish your credit. | ||
==Step 3. If a credit card or bank account is involved, notify your financial institutions== | |||
If you think someone has used your credit card or accessed your bank account, immediately notify your financial institutions. Cancel any credit cards that are affected. Close or put a hold on any affected accounts. | If you think someone has used your credit card or accessed your bank account, immediately notify your financial institutions. Cancel any credit cards that are affected. Close or put a hold on any affected accounts. | ||
==Step 4. If any identification is missing, cancel it== | |||
If any government-issued identification was lost or stolen, such as a driver’s licence or passport, contact the agency issuing the document. Explain what happened, and find out how to get replacement documents. | If any government-issued identification was lost or stolen, such as a driver’s licence or passport, contact the agency issuing the document. Explain what happened, and find out how to get replacement documents. | ||
==Step 5: If any mail is missing, contact Canada Post== | |||
If you think your mail is being stolen or redirected, contact Canada Post’s customer service department at 1-866-607-6301 or www.canadapost.ca. | If you think your mail is being stolen or redirected, contact Canada Post’s customer service department at 1-866-607-6301 or www.canadapost.ca. | ||
==Step 6: Protect your devices== | |||
If you used your computer or cellphone to communicate with a scam operator, or your device was infected by a scam, take your device to a professional to have it checked. Make sure you have up-to-date software to prevent '''spam''', '''viruses''', and '''spyware'''. | If you used your computer or cellphone to communicate with a scam operator, or your device was infected by a scam, take your device to a professional to have it checked. Make sure you have up-to-date software to prevent '''spam''', '''viruses''', and '''spyware'''. | ||
==Step 7. Report the incident to the police== | |||
If you suffered a loss because of a scam, report the incident to your local police department. Ask the police for a report number and record it. Include the police report number in all correspondence you have relating to the incident. | If you suffered a loss because of a scam, report the incident to your local police department. Ask the police for a report number and record it. Include the police report number in all correspondence you have relating to the incident. | ||
==Step 8. Contact the credit reporting agencies== | |||
Contact the credit reporting agencies Equifax and TransUnion to let them know of the scam or identity theft. These are the two main agencies in Canada that prepare '''credit reports'''. | Contact the credit reporting agencies Equifax and TransUnion to let them know of the scam or identity theft. These are the two main agencies in Canada that prepare '''credit reports'''. | ||
* '''Equifax:''' 1-800-465-7166 (toll-free) or www.equifax.ca | * '''Equifax:''' 1-800-465-7166 (toll-free) or www.equifax.ca | ||
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Ask each credit reporting agency to send you a copy of your credit report. The report may reveal '''debts''' charged in your name. | Ask each credit reporting agency to send you a copy of your credit report. The report may reveal '''debts''' charged in your name. | ||
==Step 9. Report the incident to consumer agencies== | |||
Report the incident to the agencies that help protect consumers. See the “Where to Get Help” section for contact details. | Report the incident to the agencies that help protect consumers. See the “Where to Get Help” section for contact details. | ||
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* If you’ve been tricked into signing a contract or buying a product or service, report the incident to Consumer Protection BC. | * If you’ve been tricked into signing a contract or buying a product or service, report the incident to Consumer Protection BC. | ||
==Step 10. Consider legal action== | |||
You can consider taking legal action against those involved in the scam or fraud. If you don’t have a lawyer, see the options for free or low cost legal help in the “Where to Get Help” section. | You can consider taking legal action against those involved in the scam or fraud. If you don’t have a lawyer, see the options for free or low cost legal help in the “Where to Get Help” section. | ||
