I think I've been scammed. What do I do?

First: take a breath. This happens to sharp, careful people every single day — it is not your fault, and acting quickly in the right order is what limits the damage.

Call me and we'll do it together, step by step.

Mon–Sat, 9:00 AM – 7:30 PM · same-day remote help available when you need it

1. 1

   Disconnect

   If someone is on your computer right now, or a pop-up is telling you to call a number — stop. Close the laptop or turn off the screen, and hang up the phone. Don't let anyone stay connected to your computer. You're not being rude; you're pulling the plug on the scam.

2. 2

   Change your key passwords

   From a different, trusted device if you can (your phone, or a family member's computer), change your email password first, then your bank. Email is the master key — whoever controls it can reset everything else. If you're not sure how, this is the part I do with you.

3. 3

   Call your bank

   If any money moved — or you gave out a card, account, or Social Security number — call the number on the back of your card or your bank statement (never a number a caller gave you). Tell them it's fraud. They can freeze the account, reverse charges, and watch for more. Do the same with your credit-card company.

4. 4

   Report it

   Reporting helps you and helps stop the next person. File with the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov and with the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov. Write down names, numbers, dates, and how money was sent. I'll help you gather the details.

5. 5

   Get a written recovery checklist

   Once the fire's out, we lock the doors so it can't happen again: fresh passwords, two-factor, credit freezes, and a clean-up of your devices. I email you (and your family, if you like) a written recovery checklist so nothing gets missed.

Honest note: if the cleanup goes beyond a quick call, I'll tell you upfront what it involves — usually a $49 remote session or a $99 visit — so there are no surprises.

Once you're safe, let's make sure it never happens again

After the emergency is handled, a Digital Safety Check-Up locks the doors for good — strong passwords, two-factor, credit freezes, spam blocking, and a family safe word so a cloned voice can never fool you again.

You don't have to figure this out alone.

Call now. We'll take it one step at a time.

30+ years of professional experience · Fully insured · Serving Portage County, Ohio