Fighting Fraud
By Better Business Bureau Serving Greater Cleveland
As we celebrate Older Americans Month this May, the Better Business Bureau is leaning into the theme of “Championing Your Health.”
Usually, we think of health in terms of nutrition or exercise, but there is another vital component: your financial and emotional well-being. Also this month, we observe Scam Survivor Day. It is a relatively new but deeply important day dedicated to shifting the narrative. For too long, seniors targeted by fraudsters have carried a heavy burden of shame, and BBB® is here to change that.
At BBB®, we see thousands of reports every year. One thing remains constant: scammers are professionals. They use sophisticated psychology and, in 2026, advanced AI tools to deceive even the most cautious consumers. By coming forward, you aren’t just seeking help; you are providing the critical intel that helps us, and law enforcement, map out these criminal networks and shut them down. Your report could be the one that saves your neighbor from the same fate.
Your Recovery Roadmap: Steps to Take Right Now
If you realize you’ve been targeted, the most important thing you can do is act quickly. Here is your step-by-step guide to reclaiming your security:
Step 1: Secure Your Identity. If you share personal info, contact the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) to place a Security Freeze on your credit reports. This prevents scammers from opening new accounts in your name. It’s free and can be managed online or by phone.
Step 2: Contact Your Financial Institutions. Call your bank or credit card company immediately. They have specialized fraud departments that can stop pending transactions and issue new cards.
Step 3: Report to the BBB Scam Tracker. Visit BBB.org/ScamTracker. Your report helps us alert the public in real-time. We use this data to publish “scam alerts” that warn others in your specific zip code.
Step 4: File an Official Government Report. Visit IdentityTheft.gov (run by the FTC). This site provides a personalized recovery plan and an official “Identity Theft Report” that you can use to prove to creditors that a crime occurred.
Step 5: Notify Local Law Enforcement. While many scams are international, filing a report with your local police department creates a paper trail that is essential for insurance claims and legal protections.
If you’ve been the victim of a scam on social media, report it to the BBB Scam Tracker. Your report helps us build consumer awareness and reduce the effectiveness of scammers’ favorite tactics.
Have additional questions? Reach out to your BBB at 216-241-7678 or [email protected].
