Overview

Discovering you’ve been scammed is a deeply unsettling experience. You may feel embarrassed, angry, or overwhelmed — and those feelings are completely understandable. But the most important thing to know right now is this: you are not alone, and there are concrete steps you can take immediately that may help limit the damage.

This guide walks you through exactly what to do, in order, starting from the moment you realize something has gone wrong.

Step 1: Don’t Panic — But Do Act Quickly

Time matters more with some types of fraud than others. Wire transfers and payment app transactions are the hardest to reverse and require the fastest response. Check fraud and account takeovers may give you a slightly longer window. Either way, acting within the first few hours gives you the best possible chance of recovering funds or stopping further losses.

Take a breath. Then pick up the phone.

Step 2: Call Your Bank Immediately

This is your first call. Before the FTC, before the police, before anyone else — call Bank of Marin at (866) 626-6004.

Tell us what happened as clearly as you can. We can:

• Place a hold or freeze on your account to prevent further unauthorized transactions
• Attempt to recall a wire transfer if it was sent very recently
• Flag your account for heightened monitoring
• Help you understand what type of fraud occurred and what your next steps should be
• Connect you with the right resources for your specific situation

If you believe your online banking credentials have been compromised, tell us that too — we can help you reset access and secure your account.

Step 3: Freeze or Close Compromised Accounts

If a scammer has gained access to an account — or if you shared account numbers, routing numbers, or login credentials — that account may need to be closed and reopened with new information. We can walk you through this process when you call.

If you use the same password elsewhere, change those passwords immediately as well.

Step 4: Place a Fraud Alert on Your Credit

If you shared personal information — your Social Security number, date of birth, address, or other identifying details — your identity may be at risk beyond just your bank account.

Contact one of the three major credit bureaus to place a free fraud alert on your credit file. You only need to contact one — they are required to notify the other two.

• Equifax: 1-800-525-6285 or equifax.com
• Experian: 1-888-397-3742 or experian.com
• TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289 or transunion.com

A fraud alert tells lenders to take extra steps to verify your identity before opening any new credit in your name. It’s free and lasts one year.

If you believe your identity has been seriously compromised, you can also request a credit freeze, which prevents any new credit from being opened in your name entirely. This is free as well and can be lifted at any time.

Step 5: Report the Scam

Reporting may feel pointless when you’re already dealing with the fallout, but it genuinely matters. Reports help law enforcement identify patterns, warn others, and sometimes build cases that lead to recoveries. Here’s where to report:

Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

reportfraud.ftc.gov

The FTC is the primary federal agency for consumer fraud. Filing here also generates a personal recovery plan with next steps specific to your situation.

FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)

ic3.gov

File here for any fraud that involved the internet, email, or wire transfers. IC3 reports feed directly into federal law enforcement investigations.

Your state’s Attorney General

Most state AGs have a consumer fraud division. A quick web search for “[your state] Attorney General consumer fraud” will find the right reporting page.

Local law enforcement

File a police report with your local department. Even if they cannot investigate directly, a police report number is often required by banks and insurance companies when processing a fraud claim.

Step 6: If Gift Cards Were Used

Contact the gift card issuer immediately and explain that the cards were used in a scam. Some issuers — including Google Play, Apple, Amazon, and others — have fraud teams that can sometimes freeze unused balances. Have the card packaging or receipt available if possible, as you’ll need the card numbers.

The FTC also maintains a list of gift card issuer fraud contact numbers at consumer.ftc.gov/articles/gift-cards.

Step 7: Watch for Follow-Up Scams

This is important and often overlooked. Once you’ve been identified as a scam victim, your information may be shared or sold among criminal networks. You may begin receiving follow-up contacts from people claiming they can help you recover your lost funds — for a fee. This is called a recovery scam, and it is also fraud.

No legitimate organization charges upfront fees to help recover scam losses. If anyone contacts you unsolicited offering to recover your money, do not engage.

Step 8: Take Care of Yourself

Financial fraud causes real emotional harm. Feelings of shame, grief, anger, and anxiety are normal and valid responses. Please don’t let embarrassment prevent you from telling people you trust — a family member, a close friend, or a counselor.

The AARP Fraud Watch Network operates a free helpline at 1-877-908-3360 staffed by trained volunteer counselors who provide emotional support specifically for fraud victims. You don’t have to be an AARP member to call.

Need Help?

Bank of Marin is here for you throughout this process. Call us at (866) 626-6004 or visit any branch — we can help you understand what happened, secure your accounts, and point you toward the right next steps.

Remember: When in doubt, do not give out information or send money — contact your bank first!