What To Do If You Get Scammed Online

Wondering What To Do When You Have Been Scammed Online?

Given the amount of time that you spend online, you probably consider yourself to be a pretty tech-savvy individual. Well, maybe not tech-savvy, but at least Internet-savvy. You probably feel like you can browse the Internet, make purchases, and use messaging services without a hassle.

You probably also feel like you can spot an online scam quickly enough. After all, how many times have you trashed those official-looking emails asking for your personal banking information? Probably more times than you would like to admit. Well, the truth is that it doesn't matter how much time you spend online; you are always going to be susceptible to fraud and scams.

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In fact, you might even be more at risk just because you are spending more time online. Whatever the situation is, just because you were scammed online, it doesn't necessarily mean that it is the end of the world. Yes, your world is going to change, but it doesn't mean that you can't bring the offending parties to their knees and even potentially get your money back. Let's look at what you can do.



React Right Away

It probably goes without saying that you need to act immediately when a scam is suspected. Any time that you fear you have been a victim of a scam, you need to act right away. Every minute really counts.

As soon as you suspect questionable behavior, you will want to start making phone calls. If you have recently bought anything online with a credit or debit card, you will want to contact your bank or financial institution and speak with a representative. You can even visit one of the local locations in person if you choose to do so. Whatever the situation is, you want to make sure that you are getting the incident documented.

 

If you fear that you have been ripped off on an online purchase, you will probably have to file a stop payment. This pretty much does what the name suggests, as it will stop payment from the baking institution to the product provider. There might be a small fee associated with this action, but if it saves you more money, then it is more than worth it.

Get In Touch With The Authorities

Did you know that unfair and deceptive trade acts or practices are prohibited under federal and state law? This means that it is illegal for anyone or any business to partake in these shady business practices. Doing so is against the law, and the offending parties can be prosecuted for doing such.

Of course, it will be up to you to make sure that these parties are punished. You will want to get this started by first contacting the local authorities. Just make sure that you contact the non-emergency sector and not 911.

You can look at history and you will see that many big-name gambling institutions have gotten in trouble in the past for scamming their customers.

This was a long-term process, but clients and customers affected by such sites were reimbursed what they lost. Not only this, but reporting these practices made the whole industry safer and more secure. Gambling sites like sbobet88 are now under stricter regulations and watch, so customers can rest assured that they will get fair treatment when signing up.



Reach Out To The Better Business Bureau

As a consumer, there is a good chance that you have probably at least heard of the Better Business Bureau. This is not a branch of authority that will be able to mediate or dispute your concerns, but they will let you put a review on their site.

This review will be read by hundreds, potentially thousands or millions of other consumers. If these consumers know that this company mistreated you, then you can prevent others from getting ripped off as well.

Consider Small Claims Court

Did you know that there are several large cities that offer sponsored mediation programs specifically designed to help resolve problems between consumers and businesses? Well, you are not alone. A lot of people aren't aware of this, and these services can help out. Consider the small claims court for your issue.

All you have to get is get in touch with the state agency that licenses the business you are dealing with and see what they can do to help.

 

Examples of Online Scams

Watch the video below to see 15 online scams that you could be a victim of. Did any of these happen to you?

15 Online Scams You Should Avoid Video

 

How To Report Scammers

Let your family and friends know about this article by sharing it on social media using the buttons provided. You can also officially report the scammers to the Federal Trade Commission using the link below:

Report To The FTC Here

 

How To Protect Yourself More

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