What should I do if I’ve been scammed?

Modified on Tue, Jul 22 at 6:28 PM

If you think you’ve fallen victim to a scam—whether by email, text, or social media—you’re not alone. Scammers use many methods to trick people into sending money or personal information. Be especially cautious of emails, texts, and DMs that:

use urgent or alarming language,
impersonate trusted individuals or offices,
offer deals that seem too good to be true.

If you’re the victim of a scam, here's what to do next:

1. File a police report

Your first step should be to report the incident to your local police department. If you're a resident of Cambridge, you can use this guide from the City of Cambridge to help you. Be sure to include:

A full description of the scam
Copies of messages or emails exchanged
Proof of payment (screenshots or transaction confirmations)
The scammer’s contact info (phone number, email, etc.)

2. Contact your bank or payment platform

Once you’ve filed a report, contact the bank or service you used to send the payment. Many banks and payment platforms offer fraud protection. Acting fast improves the chances they can reverse the charge or investigate further. Here are some links to help get you started:

3. Watch for signs of a scam next time

Scams can happen to anyone. Keep an eye out for the following red flags to help avoid trouble in the future:

Be skeptical of high-value items that are “free” or deeply discounted

Scammers often advertise things like laptops, consoles, or cameras at surprisingly low prices. Sometimes they'll say you only need to pay for shipping. These are usually fake offers designed to get your money quickly.

Avoid sending money or gift cards to someone you don’t know personally

Legitimate sellers and giveaways won’t ask for payment before sending an item. If someone requests money upfront—even for shipping or a deposit—it’s a red flag.

Double-check the source

It can be easy to let your guard down with emails from someone you trust (like a Lesley staff member). But be careful. Check that the reply-to email and contact information match what you’d expect. If anything looks off, take a moment to make sure that the sender is who they say they are.

Be wary of unusual communication methods

Scammers often use personal texts or messaging apps to avoid official records. If someone asks to move the conversation off email quickly, that’s a warning sign.

Don’t rush

Scammers thrive on urgency. They use claims like “limited quantity” or “act fast” to pressure you into quick decisions. Give yourself time to think it through.

Listen to your instincts

If something feels off, it probably is. When in doubt, ask a friend, professor, or Lesley staff member before taking action.