The Federal Trade Commission has offered some excellent advice on its website regarding “what to do” suggestions as they relate to scammers.
This week’s Scam Alert report brings readers part 1 on a topic provided by the FTC called “What if you paid a scammer.” All of the following information was provided by the FTC.
This is the type of information worth cutting out of the newspaper and keeping in a safe place — or giving to a friend, or neighbor.
Scammers can be very convincing.
They call, email, and send us text messages trying to get our money or sensitive personal information — like our Social Security or account numbers. And they’re good at what they do.
Here’s what to do if you paid someone you think is a scammer or gave them your personal information or access to your computer or phone.
If you paid a scammer, your money might be gone already. No matter how you paid, it’s always worth asking the company you used to send the money if there’s a way to get it back.
You Paid a Scammer
Did you pay with a credit card or debit card?
Contact the company or bank that issued the credit card or debit card. Tell them it was a fraudulent charge.
Ask them to reverse the transaction and give you your money back.
Did a scammer make an unauthorized transfer from your bank account?
Contact your bank and tell them it was an unauthorized debit or withdrawal. Ask them to reverse the transaction and give you your money back.
Did you pay with a gift card?
Contact the company that issued the gift card. Tell them it was used in a scam and ask them to refund your money. Keep the gift card itself, and the gift card receipt.
Did you send a wire transfer through a company like Western Union or MoneyGram?
Contact the wire transfer company. Tell them it was a fraudulent transfer. Ask them to reverse the wire transfer and give you your money back.
Here is some key contact information that could be helpful.
MoneyGram at 1-800-926-9400
Western Union at 1-800-448-1492
Ria (non-Walmart transfers) at 1-877-443-1399
Ria (Walmart2Walmart and Walmart2World transfers) at 1-855-355-2144
Share your scam story
If you have been the target of a scam, your first contact should be the local authorities. Also, feel free to contact us with details (we can keep your name confidential, if you wish).
Send your story to: rahnl@windomnews.com, or call 507-831-3455. Stories will appear in an upcoming edition and in our Thursday website report (or immediately online). By sharing your story, you may prevent others from being scammed.