Being scammed creates panic and urgency. Your job is to do the opposite: slow the situation down, verify independently, and take fast action where it matters.
If you’re in the middle of a suspicious call/text right now: Hang up. Don’t reply. Don’t click. Then verify using a trusted number you already have.
Step 1: Stop the Interaction
- Hang up (even if caller ID looks familiar).
- Stop replying to texts/emails/social DMs.
- Close the page if you’re on a suspicious site.
- If someone is pressuring you to “stay on the line,” that’s a giant red flag.
Step 2: Verify the Situation
Verify using contact info you trust, like the number on the back of your card, your statement, or your financial institution’s official website.
- Don’t use the phone number, email, or link the scammer provides.
- Don’t trust caller ID, numbers can be spoofed.
Step 3: Secure Your Accounts
If you shared login info, passwords, or one-time codes
- Change your online banking password immediately.
- Change your email password too (email is often the “master key” for password resets).
- Turn on multi-factor authentication where available.
- Review your account profile details (phone/email) to make sure they weren’t changed.
If you allowed remote access to your device
- Disconnect from the internet and shut down the device.
- Run a reputable antivirus/malware scan.
- Consider professional tech help if you’re unsure what was installed.
Step 4: If Money Was Sent, Act Based on How You Paid
Michigan’s consumer protection guidance recommends acting immediately to minimize damage, especially based on the payment method.
Credit or Debit Card
- Contact the company/bank that issued the card and report the fraudulent charge.
- Ask about freezing/locking the card and issuing a replacement if needed.
Bank Transfer / Wire Transfer
- Inform your bank right away and ask to stop or reverse the transfer.
- Timing matters, call immediately.
Gift Card
- Contact the company that issued the gift card and report fraud.
- These transactions are often difficult to trace or reverse, so speed matters.
Payment App
- Report the transaction to the payment app company.
- Also report it to the fraud department for the linked credit/debit card.
- Many payment apps have limited protections compared to traditional banking products.
Cryptocurrency
- Crypto transfers typically aren’t reversible.
- Report it anyway, documentation can help with investigations and future prevention.
Money Transmitter (e.g., MoneyGram / Western Union)
- Contact the company to see if the transfer can be canceled.
- MoneyGram: 800-926-9400
- Western Union: 800-448-1492
Step 5: Document Everything
This helps your financial institution, the platform (email/pay app), and law enforcement:
- Screenshots of messages, emails, and profiles
- Phone numbers used (even spoofed ones)
- Websites/links
- Payment receipts and transaction IDs
- What information you shared (and when)
Step 6: Report being Scammed
Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
- FTC: 877-382-4357
- File online via the FTC reporting site (search “ReportFraud FTC”).
Michigan Attorney General – Consumer Protection Team
If you’re in Michigan and want to file a complaint, report being Scammed, or report fraud:
- Consumer Protection Team
- P.O. Box 30213, Lansing, MI 48909
- 517-335-7599
- Fax: 517-241-3771
- Toll-free: 877-765-8388
- Online complaint form available through the Michigan Attorney General website.
Local Law Enforcement
If you’ve lost money, your identity may be at risk, or you feel personally threatened, file a police report.
Quick Prevention: What to Remember Next Time
- Urgency is the scam engine. Slow down.
- Verify independently. Call back using a trusted number.
- Never share one-time passcodes. Ever.
- Be wary of unusual payment methods. Gift cards and crypto are huge red flags.
If something seems suspicious, contact us directly. If you believe you’ve been scammed, call us right away so we can help you take the next best step.
Why Reporting Fraud Matters (Even If You Didn’t Lose Money)
A lot of people skip reporting because they feel embarrassed, they didn’t lose money, or they assume “nothing will happen anyway.”
But reporting is one of the few things that actually slows scammers down.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) encourages people to do two things when they spot a scam: talk to someone (friend/family/neighbor) and then report it. Your story can help warn someone else and help investigators connect the dots. Scammers don’t target just one person, your report can be the missing piece that helps stop a scam campaign.
Bottom line: Reporting helps agencies spot patterns, build cases, and warn your community, so fewer people get hit next.
Where to report
- Federal Trade Commission (FTC):
ReportFraud.ftc.gov - Michigan Attorney General – Consumer Protection Team (Michigan residents):
Consumer Protection Team, P.O. Box 30213, Lansing, MI 48909
517-335-7599 | Toll-free: 877-765-8388 - Local law enforcement: If money was lost, identity info was shared, or you feel threatened.
What to include in your report (takes 2 minutes, helps a lot)
-
- How they contacted you (call/text/email/social media)
- Phone numbers, email addresses, usernames, and any website links used
- What they asked you to do (share info, click a link, send money, install software, etc.)
- Payment method and amount (if any)
- Dates/times and screenshots (if available)
Want the quick explanation straight from the source?
Watch the FTC video:
Stay vigilant. Protect your financial future from being Scammed.
People Driven Credit Union is committed to helping our members recognize and avoid scams. Learn how to safeguard your identity and report fraud before it causes lasting damage.
John Scharff is the Digital Marketing Lead at People Driven Credit Union, where he helps create clear, practical financial content for members and the communities PDCU serves. He focuses on making financial topics easier to understand, from loans and savings accounts to digital banking, fraud prevention, and everyday money management.
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