How to Prepare for the Next Scam or Cybercrime: A Guide for Scam Victims

September is National Preparedness Month, and it’s the perfect time for all of us to sit down and think about how we can be better prepared for the future, especially when it comes to scams or cybercrimes. For scam victims, the stakes are even higher because after experiencing one scam, you may be more vulnerable to another. It’s crucial to be prepared—not just for a close call, but for the possibility of being targeted again. By taking action now, we can better protect ourselves and recover more quickly if the worst happens again.

The average number of times that a victim is scammed is more than 3. This means some will be scammed just once, and others many times.

Why Scam Victims Are More Vulnerable

After going through a scam, your emotions may be raw—feelings of shame, anger, or betrayal can cloud your judgment. Scammers know this, and they often try to target the same individuals again. Whether through phishing attempts, impersonation scams, or even re-targeting through fraudulent recovery services, scammers see scam victims as easy prey.

It’s tough to think about going through it all again, but by preparing now, you’ll be able to minimize the damage if another scam comes your way.

12 Steps to Prepare for the Next Scam or Cybercrime

1. Recognize the Signs of a Scam: One of the best ways to prepare is to familiarize yourself with common scam tactics. This includes romance scams, investment fraud, phishing, and even cyberstalking. By knowing the typical warning signs, you’ll be less likely to fall victim again. Look out for unsolicited messages, offers that seem too good to be true, or anyone who pressures you to act quickly.
2. Secure Your Online Accounts Change Your Passwords Regularly: After a scam, it’s crucial to update passwords on all of your accounts. Use strong, unique passwords for each service and consider using a password manager like Bitwarden to store them securely. Bitwarden, which is trusted by organizations like SCARS (Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams), is an excellent tool to generate and store complex passwords.
3. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Add an extra layer of security by enabling 2FA on all of your accounts. This way, even if a scammer gets your password, they won’t be able to access your accounts without the second factor of verification, typically a code sent to your phone or email.
4. Monitor Your Financial Accounts: Keep a close eye on your bank accounts, credit cards, and any financial services you use. Set up alerts to notify you of any unusual activity. Regularly check your credit reports for unfamiliar accounts or transactions. Services like Have I Been Pwned can also alert you if your passwords have been exposed in a data breach.
5. Create a Recovery Plan: You never want to assume you’ll be targeted again, but it’s important to have a plan in place just in case. Write down the steps you would take if your identity was stolen or if a scammer gained access to your accounts. This might include contacting your bank, credit agencies, local police, and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
6. Stay Informed: Scams evolve over time, so it’s important to stay updated on the latest trends in cybercrime. Subscribe to alerts from trusted organizations like the SCARS Institute, the FTC, or local law enforcement agencies. The more you know, the more prepared you’ll be.
7. Safeguard Personal Information: Be extra cautious about sharing personal information online. Scammers often gather details from social media to impersonate you or target you for fraud. Set your accounts to private, and avoid posting sensitive information like your address, phone number, or financial details.
8. Be Skeptical of “Recovery” Services: After falling for a scam, it’s common to receive offers from “recovery” services that promise to get your money back—for a fee. Unfortunately, many of these services are scams themselves. Always do your research and only work with verified professionals if you’re seeking help recovering losses.
9. Keep a ‘Cybercrime Diary’ or logbook: and make note of important events, such as clicking on links in messages, texts, or websites. Anything that you do that could be a potential danger should be noted. Also, save scam emails in a special folder just in case – do not just automatically delete them, though you can and should block them. Remember, evidence matters!
10. Have a Support Network in Place: It can be difficult to go through the aftermath of a scam alone. Make sure you have a support network of friends, family, or professionals who you can lean on for advice and emotional support. They can help you stay grounded and provide a different perspective if you’re faced with another potential scam.
11. Educate Your Loved Ones: Scammers don’t just target you—they may also target your family and friends, especially if they’ve been made aware of your previous victimization. Make sure your loved ones know about your experience and are on the lookout for similar scams. Sharing knowledge could help them avoid being scammed.
12. Take Action Immediately If You Suspect Another Scam: If you’re contacted by someone who seems suspicious or if you notice strange activity on your accounts, act fast. Don’t wait for the situation to escalate. Report suspicious activity to the appropriate authorities, lock down your accounts, and notify your bank or other services if necessary.

How to Recognize When You’re Being Targeted Again

It’s not always easy to realize when you’re being targeted by a scam, especially if you’re still recovering emotionally from a previous one. Be on the lookout for these signs:

Unsolicited Contact: Scammers often reach out through email, phone, or social media. If you didn’t initiate the contact, be cautious.

Pressure to Act Quickly: Scammers want you to make fast decisions without thinking things through. If someone is rushing you, that’s a red flag.

Requests for Money: Whether through wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency, scammers always want to get paid quickly and in untraceable ways.

Emotional Manipulation: Scammers often use emotional appeals to cloud your judgment, especially if they’re impersonating someone you care about.

How to Overcome the Emotional Barriers to Recovery

Dealing with a scam can leave you feeling vulnerable, embarrassed, or even angry. It’s important to address these emotions and not let them stand in the way of your recovery.

Acknowledge the Trauma: Accept that being scammed is a traumatic experience. It’s normal to feel a range of emotions, from anger to shame, but understanding this is the first step toward healing.

Seek Support: Don’t be afraid to ask for help, whether it’s from a therapist, a support group, or a trusted friend. Processing your emotions is key to moving forward.

Practice Self-Compassion: Don’t blame yourself for falling for a scam. Scammers are professionals who prey on people’s trust. Give yourself the compassion you would offer someone else in the same situation.

Stay Vigilant but Open to Healing: While it’s important to stay cautious, try not to shut down completely. You can rebuild your trust in people, step by step, as you heal.

Conclusion

The best defense against scams is preparation. As we’ve learned, it’s not just about securing your passwords or protecting your financial accounts—it’s also about mental and emotional preparation. By recognizing the signs, staying informed, and building a strong support system, you can better protect yourself from future scams. If it happens again, you’ll be ready to take action and recover more quickly. Stay vigilant, stay informed, and know that help is always available—whether from professionals, loved ones, or organizations like the SCARS Institute.