What to Do if You Think You Have Been Targeted by Fraud
Discovering that you may have been targeted by fraud can feel overwhelming. You may feel embarrassed, frustrated, or unsure what to do first. But fraud can happen to careful people, and the most important thing is to act quickly.
The sooner you respond, the more steps may be available to help protect your accounts, limit additional risk, and begin the reporting process.
At Anderson Brothers Bank, we are here to help customers through difficult moments with calm, practical guidance. Start with Stop. Check. Protect.
Step 1: Do Not Panic - But Do Not Wait
Take a breath and focus on the next action. If account activity, personal information, login credentials, card information, or access to payment apps may be involved, move quickly.
Step 2: Contact Your Bank Immediately
If your Anderson Brothers Bank account, debit card, online banking profile, or personal information may be at risk, contact us directly using a trusted phone number, the official website, or a local branch. Do not use contact details from the suspicious message.
Depending on the situation, the bank may help review account activity, discuss card replacement, monitor for suspicious activity, or identify other next steps.
Step 3: Change Passwords and PINs
If login information may have been exposed, change passwords from a trusted device. Start with online banking and email, then any other accounts that use the same password. Use strong, unique passwords in the future.
Step 4: Turn On Multi-Factor Authentication
Multi-factor authentication adds an extra layer of protection by requiring more than a password. Turn it on for financial accounts, email, and payment apps when available.
Step 5: Consider a Fraud Alert or Credit Freeze
If your personal information was exposed, consider contacting the major credit bureaus to place a fraud alert or credit freeze. A fraud alert tells lenders to take extra steps to verify your identity. A credit freeze restricts access to your credit report until you lift it.
Step 6: Report the Fraud
Reporting helps create a record and may help protect others. Depending on what happened, you may report the scam to the FTC, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center for online fraud, your state Attorney General, or local law enforcement.
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Stop. Check. Protect. Document what happened, save screenshots, write down dates and times, and keep copies of messages or transaction details. This information can be helpful during review or investigation. |
Step 7: Monitor Accounts and Credit Reports
Review bank accounts, card activity, payment apps, and credit reports for unfamiliar transactions, accounts, or inquiries. Continue watching for activity in the weeks after the incident.
Step 8: Keep Records of Everything
Save emails, texts, screenshots, call logs, names of people you spoke with, report numbers, and copies of letters or forms. Organized documentation can make the process easier.
You Are Not Alone
Fraud is stressful, but you do not have to navigate it alone. If you believe your ABB account may be at risk, contact us immediately so we can help you understand the next steps.
Fraud prevention content is educational and does not guarantee prevention, recovery, or reimbursement. Customers should contact Anderson Brothers Bank directly via a trusted phone number, the official website, or a local branch if they believe their account or personal information may be at risk. Resolution timelines, provisional credits, reimbursement, and consumer liability depend on the facts, payment type, timing, and applicable law.
What should I do first if I think I have been scammed?
Contact your bank immediately using a trusted phone number or official website. Then change affected passwords, monitor accounts, and document what happened. Quick action can help reduce additional risk.
How do I report fraud to the government?
You can report fraud to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. For online fraud or cybercrime, you may also report to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at IC3.gov. Identity theft can be reported at IdentityTheft.gov.
What is a credit freeze, and should I place one?
A credit freeze restricts access to your credit report, which can make it harder for someone to open new credit in your name. Consider a credit freeze if your personal information may have been exposed.
Will my bank reimburse money lost to fraud?
It depends on the circumstances, payment type, timing, and applicable law. Contact your bank immediately so they can review the situation and explain the next steps.
How long does it take to resolve bank fraud?
Timelines vary based on the type of fraud, complexity of the case, and information available. Taking quick action and keeping good records can help the review process move more smoothly.