Getting Expert Help

If you encounter a scam, acting quickly minimizes the damage. The government has established specific pathways to report fraud and protect your assets. Here is how to handle different scenarios:

Scenario 1: You revealed your Social Security number or financial details

If a criminal has your sensitive data, time is critical. Contact your bank immediately to freeze your accounts and halt unauthorized transfers. Next, place a fraud alert or credit freeze on your credit reports by contacting one of the three major bureaus (Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion). Finally, visit IdentityTheft.gov to report the breach and receive a customized recovery plan.

Scenario 2: You recognize a scam attempt, but gave no information

Even if you hung up successfully, reporting the attempt helps authorities track and shut down criminal networks. You should report government imposter scams to the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) using their dedicated online fraud reporting form. You can also file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) or the Federal Trade Commission.

Scenario 3: You need to verify a suspicious letter

If you receive a letter that looks authentic but makes alarming demands, do not call the phone number printed on the letterhead. Instead, call the official national toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213, or contact your local field office directly. A representative can look at your official file and tell you immediately whether the correspondence you received is genuine.