Scams affect millions of people every year, regardless of age, education, or background. In 2025 alone, consumers reported losing approximately $15 billion to fraud, according to the Federal Trade Commission, with many victims experiencing lasting emotional, financial, and psychological impacts.
Whether you’re a scam victim looking for guidance or a professional helping someone navigate the aftermath, these resources are designed to provide trusted information, practical tools, and support every step of the way.
Recovery is a process, but taking the right next step can make all the difference. We’re here to help you find it.
BBB Scam Survival Toolkit If you’ve experienced a scam, this tool can walk you through step-by-step instructions on what to do next.
Asking for help after a scam (handout) It’s not easy to talk about being scammed. This handout provides tips on how to ask others for help.
Self-care after a scam (handout) Experiencing a scam can be mentally and emotionally draining. This handout provides tips on taking care of yourself.
Annualcreditreport.com The only federally authorized site. You can also call (877) 322-8228 to request free weekly reports from Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. Avoid deceptive “look-alike” websites that might charge for services or require a credit card.
Empowerment after financial fraud This handout from FINRA and Give an Hour provides information to help you heal emotionally after a scam.
Support your mental health after fraud This handout from FINRA and Give an Hour provides information to address your mental health after a scam
BBB Scam Tracker BBB’s scam prevention and reporting tool. Report your scam experience to help warn others.
Credit agency fraud reporting contacts (U.S.)
U.S. Attorneys General offices
Provincial and Territorial Consumer Affairs Offices (Canada)
Sample letter for disputing credit or debit card charges (Spanish) (French)
Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI)
Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
Tips for talking to scam survivors Words matter. When talking to scam survivors, how we say things is as important as what we say.
Asking for help after a scam (handout) It’s not easy to talk about being scammed. This handout provides tips on how to ask others for help.
Self-care after a scam (handout) Experiencing a scam can be mentally and emotionally draining. This handout provides tips on taking care of yourself.
Scam victim journey map This handout from FINRA and Give an Hour details the emotional stages a scam victim experiences.
