When and how to take action
Whether you’ve simply been contacted by a scammer or believe you’re already a victim, it’s a stressful situation. At Central Bank, we’re always here to help – with fraud solution resources to address scam attempts including how to report fraud, what to do after being scammed and more.
Have you been scammed?
If you believe you’re being scammed, there’s a decent chance you are. If any of the following statements apply to your situation, you could be the victim of a scam.
You have been instructed to keep the transaction a “secret” or the deposit is from an unknown source or is unexpected.
You have been instructed to purchase gift cards.
You have been instructed to mail cash.
You are depositing funds for payment or commission of employment from a “work at home” position, “secret or mystery shopper” position, or newspaper ad where you were hired online or over the telephone.
You are depositing funds to pay taxes and/or fees to receive other funds, such as an inheritance or lottery winnings.
You’re depositing funds from someone you met online or someone you have been communicating with through email, text or phone and have never met in person.
You’re depositing funds from proceeds for an item you sold on the Internet, such as a car, boat, jewelry, etc.
The amount of your deposit is more than the selling price of the item sold.
You’re depositing funds from a business or individual different from the person buying your item or product.
You have been instructed to return funds through a wire transfer, Walmart, Western Union or Money Gram as soon as possible.
You have been asked to assist in the distribution of money from or to another country.
How to report fraud
Fraud happens – and there’s absolutely no reason to be embarrassed about it. Here’s what to do after being scammed.
Immediately contact the Central Bank Financial Intelligence & Security Unit.
Contact the local law enforcement agency in your town. If you are not sure how, we will assist you.
File a complaint with the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).