What to do if you are scammed

Jen Cormack • September 1, 2025

Protect yourself from online scams - what to do if you've fallen victim

photo of a credit card with a fishing hook attached

Protect Yourself from Online Scams – What to Do If You’ve Fallen Victim

Online scams are evolving rapidly, and even the most cautious people can fall victim. Criminals now use artificial intelligence, spoofed phone numbers, and fake websites to trick users into sending money or handing over personal information. If you’ve been targeted, the most important step is to act quickly and report it.

In the United States, victims should report online scams to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at www.ic3.gov. This FBI program works with the National White Collar Crime Center and the Bureau of Justice Assistance to track and respond to internet-facilitated crime.

Another important resource is the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at reportfraud.ftc.gov. The FTC accepts consumer complaints and provides detailed guidance on how to protect yourself from further harm.

Latest Scams in 2025

AI-Powered Phishing Attacks

The FBI has reported a rise in AI-driven phishing emails that are more convincing than traditional scams. These emails often mimic your actual writing style or reference recent purchases, travel, or communications, making them appear highly personal and trustworthy. Because they are tailored by artificial intelligence, they can slip past spam filters and trick even savvy users into clicking links or sharing sensitive data.

Google Breach-Related Phishing & Vishing

After the recent Google Salesforce server breach, cybercriminals are exploiting the incident to frighten users into handing over login credentials. Victims may receive emails warning that their Gmail or Google accounts are at risk, followed by phone calls from spoofed “650” (California) numbers pretending to be Google support. These scams combine phishing (email) and vishing (voice calls) to appear more credible.

Romance & “Pig Butchering” Scams

Romance scams remain one of the most emotionally devastating frauds, where scammers build trust and emotional intimacy online before requesting money. A growing variant is known as “pig butchering”—a term taken from a Chinese phrase meaning “fattening the pig before slaughter.” In these schemes, criminals spend weeks or months grooming their victims, gaining trust through daily conversations and fake relationships, before pushing them into fraudulent cryptocurrency or investment platforms. Victims are led to believe they are making profitable investments until the scammer disappears with all of their funds.

Government & Official Impersonation

The FBI warns of vishing and smishing scams in which criminals impersonate senior government officials or law enforcement officers. Using spoofed caller IDs and even AI-generated voices, scammers threaten victims with arrest, fines, or frozen benefits if they do not comply immediately. Because the calls or texts sound so authentic, victims often panic and follow instructions without stopping to verify the source.

Toll & Package Delivery Text Scams

One of the largest scams currently targeting U.S. smartphone users involves fake toll violation or DMV text messages. The message typically claims the recipient has unpaid tolls, taxes, or parking violations, and that failure to pay will result in license suspension or legal action. Victims who click the link are directed to a fake payment page designed to steal credit card details. Similar tactics are also used with fraudulent UPS, FedEx, or Amazon “delivery” texts.

QR Code Scams (Brushing Technique)

Scammers are increasingly using QR codes to deliver malware or phishing links. In one scheme known as the “brushing technique,” criminals mail unsolicited packages containing QR codes, tricking recipients into scanning them out of curiosity. Once scanned, the codes may install malware, open fake login pages, or steal personal data. The FBI has also warned about Browser-in-the-Browser (BiTB) attacks, where QR codes lead to pop-ups that look like legitimate sign-in pages but are designed to capture your credentials.

Medusa Ransomware

The FBI is tracking the Medusa ransomware gang, which has been launching targeted phishing campaigns to compromise Gmail, Outlook, and corporate networks. Once access is gained, attackers encrypt files and demand ransoms ranging from $100,000 to millions of dollars. In addition to financial damage, these attacks often involve data theft, meaning sensitive personal or business information may be leaked or sold on the dark web even if the ransom is paid.

What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed

  • Stop communication immediately. Don’t reply or send more money.
  • Document everything. Save emails, texts, receipts, and screenshots.
  • Report it. Use IC3, the FTC, and your state attorney general’s office.
  • Notify your bank. Ask about reversing charges or freezing your accounts.
  • Protect your identity. Place fraud alerts or freezes with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
  • Seek professional help. A private investigator can assist with scam verification, dark web searches, and evidence collection.

How Jennifer Cormack Consulting Can Help

At Jennifer Cormack Consulting, we specialize in fraud investigations and scam response. Whether you’ve been targeted by a romance scam, phishing attack, or a breach-related scheme, we can:

  • Trace online activity and digital footprints
  • Conduct dark web monitoring for compromised data
  • Assist attorneys with litigation support and evidence gathering

👉 If you’ve fallen victim to an online scam, contact us today for a free consultation and take the first step toward recovery and protection.

Photo of an investigator holding a magnifying glass, reviewing files on his desk.

Hiring a Private Investigator: How much does it cost?

By Jen Cormack • September 1, 2025
Hiring a Private Investigator
a security camera is mounted on the side of a building .

Physical Security Consulting

By Jen Cormack • September 1, 2025
Physical Security Consulting – Protecting Business Reputation Background: The owner of a well-known restaurant and bar contacted me with concerns about the establishment’s reputation being damaged by the behavior of employees and patrons. He worried that unchecked incidents could lead to negative publicity, financial losses, and potential legal exposure. Process: To address these concerns, I conducted an in-depth physical security assessment using a structured security framework. This included direct on-site observations during peak hours and a review of existing security practices, staffing protocols, and policy documentation. During the assessment, I identified several areas of vulnerability: Inadequate surveillance coverage Lack of formal employee training on security awareness Outdated or incomplete security policies I provided tailored recommendations that included installing additional surveillance cameras, implementing employee security training programs, and developing a comprehensive written security policy. Takeaway: The restaurant owner adopted these measures, which strengthened both day-to-day operations and overall security posture . The improvements reduced the risk of negative incidents, safeguarded the establishment’s reputation, and ensured compliance with relevant regulations. By addressing weaknesses before they escalated, the business not only protected its assets but also created a safer environment for employees and patrons alike. Physical Security Consulting – Strengthening Corporate Environments Background: A mid-sized corporate client reached out with concerns about vulnerabilities in their office building that could expose them to theft, unauthorized access, or workplace safety issues. Company leadership wanted to ensure that employees, clients, and sensitive business information were adequately protected while also maintaining a professional environment. Process: I performed a comprehensive physical security assessment tailored to corporate operations. This included a review of access control systems, visitor management procedures, surveillance coverage, and emergency protocols . I also evaluated employee awareness of security practices and compliance with company policies. Key weaknesses identified included: Gaps in surveillance coverage across parking and entry points Inconsistent enforcement of visitor sign-in procedures Outdated access control measures and lack of employee refresher training I recommended targeted solutions such as upgraded surveillance and access systems, improved visitor management protocols, and the rollout of updated employee training on workplace security.  Takeaway: By implementing these recommendations, the client significantly reduced exposure to security risks while enhancing employee confidence and client trust. The measures not only helped protect physical assets and sensitive information but also demonstrated a proactive approach to workplace safety and regulatory compliance.
a person holding a magnifying glass over a red toy man in a line with white toy men

Locate Individual – Hidden Assets in Divorce Case

By Jen Cormack • September 1, 2025
Background: A family law attorney contacted me after their client’s ex-spouse stopped making court-ordered financial payments. The attorney believed the subject was hiding income and assets, but had limited information to work with. The client needed to locate the individual’s current residence and financial holdings to pursue recovery. Process: I conducted a detailed investigation using a combination of public records searches, social media analysis, and property research . Through footprinting and cross-referencing, I discovered that the subject had shifted assets into a business under an associate’s name. I also identified a previously unknown out-of-state property by comparing real estate filings with geo-tagged social media photos. This information was further supported by vehicle registration data and satellite imagery, which confirmed the subject’s new residence. Takeaway: The attorney used my findings to petition the court for updated financial disclosures and asset freezes. The evidence of hidden property and income streams strengthened their case, ensuring the client could move forward with legal remedies. My investigation not only located the subject but also uncovered concealed assets critical to the litigation strategy.
a man and a woman are looking at criminal records on a laptop .

Background Checks

By Jen Cormack • September 1, 2025
Background Checks – Protecting Children in Custody Cases Background: A client contacted me with concerns about her children’s safety during visitation with her ex-spouse. She suspected that his new partner might have a criminal background and wanted to ensure her children would not be exposed to risky or illegal behavior while in their father’s care. Process: To address these concerns, I conducted a thorough background investigation and digital footprinting on the new partner and her close associates. This included searches of criminal court records, public filings, deep web sources, and social media activity . By cross-referencing information across multiple platforms, I was able to build a reliable picture of the individual’s history and current associations. Takeaway: The investigation revealed that the new partner did, in fact, have a criminal record, and one of her immediate family members also had an extensive criminal history. Armed with this information, my client and her attorney successfully petitioned to update the custody agreement, ensuring the children would not be exposed to the new partner during visitation. This case highlights how professional background checks go beyond a simple online search —they provide actionable intelligence that can be used to protect families, strengthen legal cases, and support important personal decisions. Background Checks – Due Diligence for Business Partnerships Background: A small business owner approached me before entering into a new partnership. While the prospective partner appeared credible and presented impressive financial claims, my client wanted reassurance that there were no hidden risks before finalizing the deal. Process: I conducted an in-depth background check and due diligence investigation , reviewing public records, corporate filings, litigation history, regulatory actions, and social media activity . I also searched deep web resources and professional databases to verify employment history and cross-check the partner’s financial claims. Takeaway: The investigation uncovered multiple civil lawsuits involving the prospective partner, including one for breach of contract, as well as unresolved tax liens. This information allowed my client to avoid entering into a potentially damaging business relationship. By investing in a thorough background investigation, the client protected both his finances and his company’s reputation.
A Question Mark and the words,

Locate Lost Relatives

By Jen Cormack • September 1, 2025
Locate Lost Relatives – Reconnecting Families Background: A client reached out after being estranged from their adult son for several years. With no recent contact, they were deeply concerned about his well-being and wanted to know if he was safe. Their hope was not only to confirm his status but also to explore the possibility of reconnecting. Process: I conducted a comprehensive background investigation using a combination of paid investigative databases, public records, social media analysis, and deep web resources . By piecing together address histories, digital footprints, and recent activity, I was able to trace the son’s movements and confirm that he had relocated to a different state. Takeaway: This information gave the client the peace of mind they needed, knowing their son was alive and well. More importantly, it opened the door for the possibility of reestablishing contact when they were ready. This case illustrates how professional investigative work can provide both answers and closure , enabling families to make informed decisions about sensitive personal matters. Locate Lost Relatives – Estate & Heir Search Background: An estate attorney contacted me for assistance in a probate matter involving a deceased individual who had no immediate heirs listed. Before the estate could be settled, the court required confirmation of whether any surviving relatives existed who might have a legal claim. The client needed a reliable investigation to identify and, if possible, locate potential heirs. Process: I performed an in-depth genealogical and investigative search using a combination of probate filings, property records, obituaries, public databases, and social media analysis . I also cross-referenced information through court archives and specialized investigative tools to verify relationships. By carefully building out the family tree and tracking down documented addresses, I was able to identify and confirm several living relatives connected to the estate. Takeaway: The attorney received a verified list of potential heirs, supported by documentary evidence, which enabled the probate process to proceed. This case illustrates how professional investigative work can provide clarity in complex estate matters, ensuring that assets are distributed fairly and in accordance with the law.