What to do if you are the victim of a scam

Falling victim to a financial scam can feel overwhelming and even embarrassing, but it’s important to remember that scams can happen to anyone. Acting quickly can help minimize damage and protect your future finances. At Solarity, we’re committed to supporting our members with compassion and care. Here’s a friendly, step-by-step guide on what to do if you think you’ve been scammed.

1. Stop all contact with the scammer

As soon as you suspect fraud, stop communicating right away. Scammers are skilled at using emotional tactics to keep you engaged. Remember, no legitimate organization will pressure you to act immediately or threaten you. It might feel hard to cut ties, especially if they seemed trustworthy, but it’s the safest choice.

2. Contact your financial institutions immediately

Get in touch with Solarity Credit Union and any other financial institutions right away. We can help secure your accounts, review recent activity and take steps to prevent further losses. The sooner you reach out, the more we can do to help. You may also want to cancel compromised cards and request new account numbers for added security.

3. Change your passwords and secure your accounts

Update passwords on all your financial and personal accounts. Choose strong and unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication whenever possible. It’s a good idea to update your security questions and review your email and phone account security too, since scammers often use these to gain further access.

4. Report the scam to the authorities

Report the scam to your local police department and consider submitting reports to these agencies:

• Federal Trade Commission (FTC): ReportFraud.ftc.gov
• Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3): ic3.gov
• WA state attorney general’s office: atg.wa.gov/file-complaint

Providing detailed information can help protect others and assist in investigations. Save copies of emails, texts and any other evidence related to the scam.

5. Place a fraud alert on your credit reports

Contact one of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian or TransUnion) to place a fraud alert. This makes it more difficult for scammers to open new accounts in your name. You can also consider freezing your credit for extra security. A fraud alert lasts for one year and can be renewed as needed without affecting your credit score.

6. Check your credit reports

Request your free credit reports from AnnualCreditReport.com and review them carefully for suspicious accounts or activity. Dispute any inaccuracies right away. Checking your reports regularly is a helpful habit to catch issues early.

7. Monitor your accounts regularly

Keep a close eye on your bank accounts, credit card statements and credit reports over the next several months. Report any new suspicious activity as soon as possible. Setting up account alerts can help you stay informed and feel more secure. Checking your transactions weekly or even daily can provide extra peace of mind.

8. Educate yourself to avoid future scams

Learning about the latest scams and tactics can empower you to stay protected in the future. Attend community seminars, follow trusted financial blogs or read educational materials. Sharing what you learn with loved ones can help keep your entire community safer. For more resources, visit our Fraud Alerts and Education page.

9. Get support

Recovering from a scam can be emotionally challenging. It’s important to seek support if you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed. You can contact the National Center for Victims of Crime’s VictimConnect Resource Center at victimconnect.org or call 1.855.4.VICTIM (1.855.484.2846). You might also consider speaking with a counselor or talking to trusted friends and family. Remember, you’re not alone, and help is available.

Final thoughts

If you’re a Solarity member and believe you’ve been scammed, please reach out to us right away. We’re here to support you with understanding and zero judgment. Our team will help you secure your accounts and guide you through recovery. Visit our Fraud Alerts and Education page to learn more about how we can help.