Phone Scams • Damage Control

Gave Info to a Phone Scammer? Do This Now

If you shared information during a scam call, quick action can prevent account takeover and financial loss.

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Quick takeaway
What you do in the first hour matters. Start with passwords, codes, and your bank.

Step 1: Identify what you shared

Use the checklist below and follow the matching action steps.

If you shared a password

  1. Change the password immediately.
  2. Change passwords anywhere you reused it.
  3. Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) on the account.
  4. Review recent logins/devices and sign out of unknown sessions.

If you read a one-time passcode (OTP) or MFA code

  1. Assume the scammer attempted a login in real time.
  2. Change the password immediately.
  3. Reset MFA methods if possible (app-based is strongest).
  4. Check account recovery options (email/phone) for changes.

If you shared card or bank information

  1. Call your bank using the number on the back of your card.
  2. Freeze or replace affected cards/accounts.
  3. Monitor transactions daily and dispute fraudulent charges.

If you shared your SSN or identity details

  • Monitor credit and consider a credit freeze with major bureaus.
  • Watch for new accounts opened in your name.
  • Update passwords for email accounts first (email is the “master key”).

Step 2: Report and document

  • Write down the time, number displayed, and what was requested.
  • Report the scam through your carrier/bank/company channels.

Prevent this from happening again

Practice Phone Scam Defense Use Scam Lookup

FAQ

Should I call the scammer back?

No. Use official numbers and verified channels. Calling back can expose you to more manipulation or impersonation.

What’s the first account I should secure?

Your email account. If a scammer controls your email, they can reset passwords for many other services.