Life seems full of all types of con artists, thieves and Recover stolen crypto. From the big name scammers like Bernard Madoff who scammed 50 billion dollars to local identity theft experts who sift through your trash looking for stray bits of valuable information, the odds are likely that – at some time – you will get scammed.
Getting scammed is an unfortunate part of life for millions of people. It may happen to you as a result of a business opportunity presented to you by telephone, the internet or mail or an investment by a seemingly legitimate financial planner. This article will not look at measures you should take to avoid getting scammed. We will look only at what to do after it happens.
First. Don’t panic. I know, this will most likely happen at first. But after a few days when you have had a chance to recover a little and get a breath of air – count your blessings. This may seem impossible to do and may take some time, especially if your loss is large and/or is of sentimental value.
Talk about this with friends or family, a trusted clergy member or therapist. Talking about your loss with someone you trust is therapeutic and will help to alleviate the stress you are feeling. It will also help to offset some of the stigma, embarrassment and guilt associated with these types of crimes. Remember, You are the victim – it is not your fault.
Second. Take inventory of what you have lost. Identify the dollars and cents of the investment opportunity you have participated in. Separately include email costs, phone calls and mail you may have sent. List the items you may have exchanged – property, vehicles, clothing, furniture, or any other valuables (anything with an asset value) that you provided as a result of the con and give an estimate of their value.
Third. Detail the transaction. To the best of your ability, detail exactly what was stated, the phone calls that were made and at what time and how long they lasted, print out all relevant emails, assemble all mailings and documentation you received. Write down everything that was said to you and even what you thought they meant by what they said. Be sure to note your thoughts as thoughts only, not what was actually stated. If you have the technical savvy and if the scam involves the internet, obtain screen shots of each website involved and get visitor statistics for each.
Fourth. Go over the incident in your mind. How were you first contacted? How did the scam progress? Who said what to whom? What were your feelings? You want to lay out in a timeline form all the events, statements, emails, phone calls, mail, and emails between you and the scammer. You use these to provide as detailed as possible a record of events in the order they occurred. Then rehearse this. Ask yourself questions.
How did they first contact you? What did they say? What promises were made? Also ask yourself if there is anything you have forgotten. This question often serves to bring up pertinent facts and details we may have otherwise overlooked. Now, assemble everything in order and make multiple copies of everything, storing at least one copy in a safe location where only you have access and will not need it.
Fifth. Contact the appropriate authorities. A scam is illegal. You have been materially and possibly emotionally injured and damages are owed to you. You can expect to receive the appropriate compensation if available or justice to be done to those who have hurt you.