What to do if you've been scammed

July 30, 2024

You were scammed. What can you do now? Learn what steps you can take to minimize the damage and avoid being scammed again. 

1. Stop contact with the scammer. Hang up the phone, don’t reply to any messages. Don’t make any payments to the scammer and beware of additional scammers who may contact you claiming they can help you get your lost money back.

2. Notify the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion).

3. Check your computer. if your computer was accessed or otherwise affected by a scam, check to make sure that your anti-virus is up-to-date and running and that your system is free of malware and keylogging software. You may also need to seek the help of a computer repair company.

4. Change ALL your account passwords. Update your bank, credit card, social media, phone and email account passwords to try to limit further unauthorized access. Make sure to choose strong passwords when you change passwords.

5. Report the scam. Reporting helps protect others. While authorities can’t always track down perpetrators, they can gather information to record patterns of abuse. https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/


What if You’ve been a Victim of ID Theft?

  • File a police report
  • Put a fraud alert on your credit reports
  • Consider putting a credit freeze on your reports
  • Check your credit reports
  • Contact any institution directly affected
  • Contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) 1-877-438-4338
  • Notify affected creditors or bank
  • Send creditors a copy of your ID theft report
  • Change all account passwords
  • Contact the Social Security fraud hot line
  • Contact your telephone and utility companies


Resources:

https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/ojp/help-for-crime-victims/Pages/Identity%20Theft.aspx

https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/what-do-if-you-were-scammed


How to Support Fraud Victims

  • Avoid judgment
  • Listen empathetically
  • Remind them that fraud criminals are experts at deception and that they are not alone
  • Help them report the crime to their bank, credit card company, etc.
  • Help them change their passwords or freeze their credit
  • Help them file a fraud report
  • Be available to discuss any new suspicious solicitations
  • Help them identify a financial advocate to help their money safe from future exploitation


Our Recent News

Introducing Porch

By Jenna Pettit • August 14, 2025
The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.

Gordon's Story

By Jenna Pettit • August 14, 2025
We are always honored to serve seniors like Gordon, whose story reminds us of the profound impact our Senior Dining program has on the lives of individuals in our community. Gordon, a widower of 58 years, currently lives with his son, but he continues to make the five-mile drive to the Senior Dining congregate site in Maple Lake every weekday. For Gordon, this is more than just a meal, it’s a chance to connect, stay healthy, and maintain his independence. "I can’t cook, and often I’m left eating Cheerios and coffee at night," Gordon shared. That’s where the Senior Dining program becomes so vital for him. The nutritious meals provided at Catholic Charities help him maintain a balanced diet and ensure he’s getting the nutrients he needs. While Gordon says, “You can’t please everyone all the time,” he enjoys the meals offered and values the healthy options available to him. But it’s not just about the food for Gordon. It’s the sense of community he experiences each day when he visits the Maple Lake site. Gordon enjoys visiting the other diners and the staff, who he calls "perfect" and insists they "do their jobs well." He appreciates the laughter, the warm welcome, and the connection with others that make each visit special. Catholic Charities Senior Dining Program serves seniors aged 60 and over, offering nutritious meals that help them stay healthy and independent. Whether it’s through congregate dining sites, or Meals on Wheels services, we are committed to providing seniors with the support they need to lead a healthy, independent life. Gordon is one of many seniors who rely on this program, and his continued dedication to attending every weekday demonstrates the importance of these services in maintaining his health and quality of life. He says he plans to keep coming as long as he’s able—a sentiment that reflects the value that Senior Dining brings to seniors in our community. We’re grateful for Gordon’s participation in our Senior Dining program and for the positive impact it has on his well-being. For Gordon and many others, it’s not just about the food, it’s about the connections, the care, and the opportunity to stay independent and healthy.

Grow & Give

By Jenna Pettit • August 14, 2025
If your garden is overflowing this summer, you’re not alone—and that’s a good thing. Whether it’s tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, or beans, your extra produce can do more than fill your pantry. It can help feed families right here in our community. Catholic Charities of St. Cloud is hosting a Grow & Give donation event, running now through October 2025. The idea is simple: if you’re growing a garden, consider growing a little extra—or sharing what you won’t use—and donate it to Catholic Charities Food Shelf. Fresh fruits and vegetables are always in high demand, and your homegrown produce can make a real difference for neighbors facing food insecurity. How to Donate 📍 Drop-off Location: Catholic Charities Food Shelf 157 Roosevelt Road, Suite 100, St. Cloud, MN (Use Door D) 🕘 Donation Hours: Monday through Thursday: 9 am to 3 pm Friday: 9 am to 12 pm 🔔 Please ring the buzzer at Door D during donation hours. Staff or volunteers will meet you at the door to accept your donation. For food safety, donations must be handed directly to staff—please do not leave produce unattended or drop off outside posted hours.