After Reporting

Take immediate steps to protect yourself from further harm:

Bank & Financial Accounts

• Contact your bank/credit card company right away to freeze or close compromised accounts.
• Ask about reversing or recalling transfers (wires, Zelle, CashApp, crypto purchases).

Passwords & Online Accounts

• Change passwords for email, banking, and social media accounts.
• Enable two-factor authentication where available. ( DO NOT GIVE OUT YOUR AUTHENTICATION CODE)

Identity Protection 

• Place a fraud alert or credit freeze with the three credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion).
• Monitor your credit reports for new accounts or suspicious activity.
• Government Benefits & Tax ID Theft.
• Report unemployment or benefit fraud to the Maryland Department of Labor or the proper state agency.
• If your Social Security Number or tax information was used, file with the IRS Identity Theft Unit.
• Report to identitytheft.gov

Documentation

• Keep a file with your police report number, bank records, receipts, and all related communications.
• Share any new contact from the scammer with investigators.

Important

• Do not send any more money, gift cards, or cryptocurrency to the suspect, even if they promise a refund.
• Do not give cash or valuables to anyone claiming to be a “courier” or agent sent to collect money. This is a common scam tactic.
• Do not delete emails, texts, receipts, or screenshots. Investigators may need them.
• If you feel unsafe or threatened, call 911 immediately.