how to get an attorney general to stop scammers

Where do I file a complaint against a scammer?

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is the main agency that collects scam reports. Report the scam to the FTC online, or by phone at 1-877-382-4357 (9:00 AM - 8:00 PM, ET).Jan 21, 2022

How do you stop a scammer from scamming you?

What You Can Do to Avoid a ScamBlock unwanted calls and text messages. ... Don't give your personal or financial information in response to a request that you didn't expect. ... Resist the pressure to act immediately. ... Know how scammers tell you to pay. ... Stop and talk to someone you trust.

Is scamming a federal crime?

Wire fraud is a federal crime that involves any scheme to defraud another person or party by means of electronic communication. It can take many forms including telemarketing fraud, internet scams, phishing, or fraudulent schemes that use television or radio.

How can I get my money back after being scammed online?

Ask them to reverse the transaction and give you your money back. Did a scammer make an unauthorized transfer from your bank account? Contact your bank and tell them it was an unauthorized debit or withdrawal. Ask them to reverse the transaction and give you your money back.

How do I get rid of a scammer?

Fraud Prevention Month: 10 Ways to Stop the ScammersAsk questions. Sometimes it isn't easy to tell if the request or company is legitimate or not. ... Know their tactics. ... Initiate contact. ... Keep your information secret. ... Practice safe surfing. ... Pay attention. ... Stay informed. ... Help others.Mar 22, 2019

What happens if I get scammed?

If you've been scammed, consider reporting the fraud to the police to see if they can take any action, as well as to your state consumer protection office. You can also report scams to the FTC. File a report online with the FTC, or by phone at (877) 382-4357.Aug 3, 2021

Can you get in trouble for scamming a scammer?

Scammers might pretend to be law enforcement or a federal agency. They might say you'll be arrested, fined, or deported if you don't pay taxes or some other debt right away. The goal is to scare you into paying. But real law enforcement and federal agencies won't call and threaten you.

Can you press charges on a scammer?

To file a complaint, just go to ftc.gov/complaint, and answer the questions. Or call That's all there is to it. If you've been ripped off or scammed, complain to the Federal Trade Commission. It can help put the bad guys out of business.

What is the law for scamming?

The crime of Estafa or Swindling is punishable under Article 315 of the Revised Penal Code (“RPC”) and there are different forms of committing it. Estafa can be committed a) with unfaithfulness or abuse of confidence; b) by means of false pretenses or fraudulent acts; and c) through fraudulent means.

Can the bank refund my money if I was scammed?

Contact your bank immediately to let them know what's happened and ask if you can get a refund. Most banks should reimburse you if you've transferred money to someone because of a scam.

How do banks recover money from a scammer?

To recover money from a scammer, gather any evidence of the scam, such as copies of emails, bank statements, and receipts. Then, call your bank or credit card company as soon as possible to report the fraud.

What if a scammer has my phone number?

If the worst happens and a scammer gains access to your phone number, you still have options: Contact your service provider immediately and explain the situation. If need be, ask them to put a temporary freeze on your line so that scammers can't use your number.Apr 6, 2022

How do scammers convince you to be a grandparent?

They convince you by disguising their voice, showing a familiar phone number on your caller ID using a practice called “spoofing”, and using information available on the Internet. For instance, they say they may sound different because they are crying, sick, or injured. They reference specific names of family members or locations to make their story seem plausible. Then, they try to keep you from confirming their story by begging you not to tell anyone since they are embarrassed or scared in their situation.

What do scammers promise?

Scammers may promise you some kind of benefit: a loan, a prize like a foreign lottery, a government grant, an inheritance, an opportunity to work from home, or more. The catch is, they want payment up front before you can receive your benefit. Sometimes they will ask for a payment by wire transfer, online payment, or even gift cards.

How to find out if you owe the IRS?

If you think you really may owe on your taxes, go to the official IRS website to find a real IRS phone number to contact to confirm. You probably would have received letters from them first if you really owe money.

Why do scammers demand payment on fake debts?

Scammers will demand payment on fake debts because a few people will be scared into paying. Real, legitimate creditors will be able to produce proof that a debt exists in the first place. If the debt is real and you weren't aware of it, you may be the victim of identity theft. Learn more about Debt Collection Scams.

What happens if someone dangles bait in front of you?

They dangle bait—usually money. Let's face it: People simply don't give away large sums of money easily. If someone dangles bait in front of you—a big prize, a shopping spree, an easy loan — for nothing, they're probably lying. They want your personal information.

What is Nigerian fraud?

Sometimes known as Nigerian Fraud, a "government minister" (or his widow), a lawyer representing a deceased client from a foreign country, or a business owner wants to deposit money from a foreign country in your bank account. There are many variations on the same theme but they all have a similar catch.

Can a counterfeit check fool your bank?

The counterfeit checks in circulation today are high-quality forgeries. They might even fool your bank at first. You are asked to deposit their cashier’s check into your bank, keep some of the funds, and wire back the rest of the payment you owe – for a job, sweepstakes fees, online transaction, or more.

How to stop being scammed?

If you or someone you know are being targeted by scammers, take action to prevent loss. There are a few simple steps you can take: 1 Hang up! Scammers will try to keep you on the phone. The best way to avoid getting scammed is to hang up the phone. Don’t try to talk with them, just end the call. If the conversation is online or by text/e-mail, stop responding, or block the sender. 2 Call us! Whether you need help for yourself or someone else, we want to talk with you. If it is outside of our normal business hours, you can send us an e-mail or leave a voice message. If you need immediate assistance, contact your local law enforcement agency or call 2-1-1 for information and referrals to other helping agencies. 3 Stop payment! If money has been sent (by wire transfer, mail, gift card, or any other means), contact the bank or institution you sent it through right away to stop the money before it is picked up. Usually the funds are picked up quickly by scammers, but it’s worth trying!

What is a scam call?

Most common scams: A scam telephone call saying you owe “back taxes” or outstanding payments due to the government, typically from callers claiming to be “Internal Revenue Service”, “IRS”, and “US Treasury and Legal Affairs.”. Don’t respond to these callers.

How do I contact the IRS about my back taxes?

If you think you may actually owe back taxes, hang up and contact the IRS directly at 1 (800) 829-1040. Computer Tech Support. Caller or pop-up message on computer which claims to be from Microsoft/Windows or other tech company claiming there is a virus or other serious problem with your computer.

What if you won something, they should pay you?

If you won something, they should pay you, not the other way around! Medical Products and Supplies, Insurance and Prescription Scams. Callers claim to be with Medicare or Medicaid, seeking personal information or claiming they are the authorized provider of medical supplies, prescriptions or other services.

What is phishing scam?

In the most common phishing scams, the perpetrator claims to be calling from a person’s bank and requires account information to re-activate their account.

Can you give out your personal information to a caller?

Never give out your personal information to a caller! Scammers claiming to be a grandchild, friend/relative or romantic interest contact consumer, reportedly in distress and needing money to be wired or transmitted with a reloadable card, gift card (like iTunes), PayPal account payment, cash or check/money order.

How to avoid phone scams?

HOW TO AVOID PHONE AND INTERNET SCAMS. Sign up your phone number with the National Do Not Call Registry by visiting www.donotcall.gov or calling 888-382-1222. If you get a telemarketing sales call after you are on the registry it might be a scam.

What do you need to know about phone scams?

Scammers use the internet or telephone to trick millions of people every year into sending money or giving out personal information. Scammers can be polite and charming. They may say they work for a company that you recognize. They may know your name or certain things about you ...

How to contact IRS about phishing?

If you receive this call, contact the IRS right away at (800)366-4484, or visit their website: www.irs.gov/uac/report-phishing. Remember, the IRS will contact you initially by mail (NOT email or phone), and will always give you a chance to question or appeal any amount they say you owe. They will never say you will go to jail for not paying.

What is an imposter scam?

Imposter Scams: An “imposter” is someone who pretends to be someone else. Scammers may email or message you and say they are a family member or someone who wants to be your friend. They may even say they love you. They try to win your trust and ask you to send them money. Grandparent/Grandchild Scam: “ Grandma, I need money for bail.

How to stop Eldercare payment?

Contact your bank or credit card company right away. Stop the payment if you can. Report what happened to federal and/or state agencies. Here are some places you can call for free: Eldercare Locator helpline, (Department of Health and Human Services): (800) 677-1116.

How to find out if you owe utility money?

Remember, utility companies usually send notices of overdue service fees by mail. Always call your utility company using the number on your bill to find out if you really owe them money.

What does the Attorney General of Tennessee want seniors to know?

The Tennessee Attorney General’s Office wants seniors, their families, and caretakers to know about common phone and internet scams, how to stop them, and how to get help and report them.