You can be faced with scams that reach you by email, WhatsApp, social networks, when entering a website, when buying something… They can really cheat on you by many means on the Internet. The objective can be varied, since they could simply want to collect some personal information or go much further and steal your passwords and control your bank accounts.
What to do if you get scammed online
It is important act quickly and know how so that the problem does not increase. It could not only affect you, your data and devices, but also third parties who can see how they manage to scam them. Therefore, it is key to take certain measures as soon as possible.
Delete messages or files
The first thing you should do is eliminate the reason for the problem. Perhaps they have sent you a message to your mobile, an email, a file that is actually a fraud… All this may be the reason why you have been scammed online. They could take advantage of that message or file to reach third parties.
Therefore, eliminate the source of the scam. Whether you’ve really been scammed or just suspect something malicious, it’s best to remove it immediately. That will help you stay safe and avoid trouble.
block accounts
Another step you must take is block your accounts. For example, if you’ve been scammed online and have gained access to your bank account or you suspect a fraudulent payment has been made, block the card immediately. That’s going to prevent bigger problems, at least until you can see what happened.
You can do the same with social networks, email, etc. Any suspicion that makes you think that you have been scammed, you should take action quickly and block the accounts to limit the problem as much as possible.
change passwords
You should also change the passwords. It is possible that they have scammed you through a Phishing attack and have stolen the password of some online platform. They may have simply slipped in a virus and you suspect that they have been able to record the passwords you have been entering.
Whatever the reason for this scam, one of the first steps is to change your passwords. You will avoid many problems and it is always good to renew them. Use secure keys that you are not using elsewhere, and with this you will further increase security beyond this specific scam that you may have suffered.
Notify third parties
It’s a good idea that notify third parties that may be affected. For example, if you have been sending messages on WhatsApp without being aware of it, it warns that it is a scam and that you should not open any link or download any file that could be a problem for your security.
In many cases, online scams go on in chains. Attackers seek to steal information or passwords from a victim to later reach their contacts and affect many more. Therefore, it is key to break that chain.
Request a refund
If money has been stolen from your bank card, if they have made a fraudulent purchase in your Amazon account or you have inadvertently subscribed to a payment service, what you should do is request reimbursement. It is key to not having problems and that they can return what they have stolen from you.
You will have to contact your bank, the card provider or the online store where you have been scammed. This process is not always easy, nor is it always quick, but it is something you must do.
In short, this is how you should act if you have been a victim of any internet scam. It is essential that you take action as soon as possible and you can prevent this problem from spreading to third parties as well. Maintaining privacy and security on the Internet is key whenever you use a computer, mobile phone or any device.
