Resources
Communicating with someone who has been scammed can be challenging
They may feel great shame or embarrassment so they won’t talk about it.
Some with cognitive issues may have forgotten it happened.
The con criminal also could be threatening them if they tell anyone.
The victim may have developed positive relationship with the con criminal, therefore, they do not believe they are being conned.
The person caught in a scam may be concerned that if someone finds out they fell for a scam, they may lose their independence or financial security or be deemed incompetent.
How to communicate with a victim of fraud
There are effective ways to approach your loved one to help them get out of or report a scam.
1. Listen to their story and collect as much information as possible.
2. Work with them gently and with respect.
3. Do not shame them or make them feel stupid for the scam.
4. Ask them what they would do if someone else was caught in a scam.
5. Ask how they would feel about going to the authorities.
6. Express your concern for their well-being.
7. Ask what are their concerns about the scam.
Investment Help Resource
Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) Investor Education Information
"FINRA is authorized by Congress to protect America's investors. They are dedicated to protecting investors."
Investment Help Resource
North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA)
(202) 737-0900
"NASAA members have a multifaceted mission of protecting investors from fraud and abuse, conducting investor education..."
Medicare Fraud Resource
(877) 808-2468
"SMPs empower and assist medicare beneficiaries, their families, and caregivers to prevent, detect, and report health care fraud, errors and abuse..."
Medicare Fraud Resource
Official U.S. Government Site for Medicare
The Official U.S. Government Site for Medicare covers signing up for medicare, medicare costs, what medicare covers and more.
Investment Help Resource
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
(800) 732-0330
"The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission mission is to protect investors."
Fraud and Identity Theft Resource
Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
"The FTC's mission is to protect consumers and competition by preventing anticompetitive, deceptive and unfair business practices through law enforcement, advocacy and education..."
Identity Theft Resource
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)
(855) 411-2372
"The CFPB regulates the offering and provision of consumer financial products or services under the federal consumer financial laws..."
Credit Fraud Resources
Three Credit Reporting Companies:
Equifax:
(800) 685-1111; equifax.com
Experian:
(888) 397-3742; experian.com
TransUnion:
(800) 916-8800; transunion.com
Mail Fraud Resources
"The postal inspection service maintains an elite police force tasked with securing high-value Post Offices, facilities, and vehicles."