Resources
This guide provides a compilation of the resources mentioned in this document, along with additional information regarding online scams and fraud. For easy navigation, each resource is organized under a relevant general heading.
For emergency mental health support call or text the National Suicide Hotline at 988
SECURE THE VILLAGE Mission: Reach that tipping point where reasonable cybersecurity is the norm rather than the exception for smaller businesses, nonprofits, families, and individuals. A Guide to Personal Cybersecurity
FIGHTCYBERCRIME.ORG Mission: Empower individuals to recognize, report, and recover from cybercrime. Romance Scam Recovery Group/Scamspotter
REPORTING
FBI IC3 A place to report an online crime, especially Imposter Scams, Romance and Crypto, FBI's resources Romance Scams
SECRET SERVICE Crypto or Crypto-related - Find a local office to report a crime
IDENTITY THEFT RESOURCE HELP CENTER - Get direct assistance, a custom remediation plan, and resources if you're a victim. 1-888-336-9003
IDENTITY THEFT CENTRAL (IRS) Get help if someone steals your information to commit tax fraud. Learn how to prevent and report tax-related identity theft.
IRS Office of Chief Counsel To report tax fraud with the IRS, use this form
NATIONAL ELDER FRAUD HOTLINE Financial scams and abuses that target older people are happening more and more. If you or someone you know has been a victim of elder fraud, help is standing by at the National Elder Fraud Hotline.Call 833–FRAUD–11or 833–372–8311 Monday–Friday, 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. Eastern time
ADULT PROTECTIVE SERVICES - Reporting abuse, financial exploitation and fraud. Guidelines on age and type of cases assisted vary by state.
CREDIT FREEZE/ONLINE CLEANUP
In order to Freeze your credit you must create a free account with all three agencies:
● Equifax: Security Freeze | Freeze or Unfreeze Your Credit | Equifax®
● Experian: Freeze or Unfreeze Your Credit File for Free - Experian
● Transunion: Freeze My Credit | TransUnion
AURA SECURITY SOFTWARE Helps Protect From Data Breaches, Remove personal info from data brokers & online sites, reduce exposure to scams & fraud, Receive data breach alerts, Instant credit lock & alerts
DELETE ME to remove your personal data online.
CRYPTO TRACING
OPERATION SHAMROCK Mission: Operation Shamrock exists to educate the public and mobilize law enforcement, business, and government action to disrupt the scam industry. https://chainabuse.com/report?source=shamrock
DEVICE SCANNING/CLEAN UP
GEEK SQUAD - online tips for your devices
Look for local services under “expert computer repair” in my area
MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT (Peer Support)
ROMANCE SCAM RECOVERY GROUP - Offers free, counselor-led, 10-week virtual support groups for romance scam survivors, focusing on healing, education, and reducing revictimization.
AARP Fraud Watch Network Offers free, confidential discussion groups for fraud victims and their loved ones. Helpline: 877-908-3360
Toll-free service is available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET
ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION Talk to a dementia expert with our free 24/7 Helpline. Get confidential support, crisis assistance, local resources and information in over 200 languages. Call 800.272.3900
PSYCHOLOGY OF FRAUD VICTIMIZATION founded by Cathy Wilson, a Licensed Professional Counselor, supporting victims of online fraud and scams
GIVE AN HOUR - Give an Hour offers free mental health support, including clinical counseling with licensed professionals and peer support groups for survivors, victims, and families.
LEGAL/PROFESSIONAL RESOURCES
NATIONAL ACADEMY OF ELDER LAW ATTORNEYS Find an Attorney
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CONSUMER ADVOCATES (NACA) Find an Attorney
VA BENEFITS - Veterans Benefits Administration- Fraud Prevention
PODCASTS
"What the Hack?" is the award-winning true cybercrime podcast--the place to hear memorable stories and get good advice.