FRAUD SURVIVOR SUPPORT — HELPLINES · PEER GROUPS · FREE RESOURCES

Oregon-Centered & National · Completely Free · Confidential

“You are not alone. Help is here. And healing is possible.”

If You Are Being Scammed Right Now — What to Do

STEP 1 — Stop. Don’t send anything else.

Stop all contact with the scammer right now. Do not send any more money. Do not buy gift cards. Do not send a wire transfer or cryptocurrency. Do not give out any more personal information, passwords, or account numbers. If you are on the phone with them, hang up. If they are pushing you to act fast — that pressure is part of the scam. Take a breath. Step away.

STEP 2 — Call for help: 1-877-908-3360

Call the AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline. This is a free call. A trained specialist will answer. They will help you figure out what happened and what to do next. You do not need to be an AARP member. When you call, try to tell them: what kind of scam it was, how you sent money or information, and when it happened. They will take it from there. Available Monday through Friday, 5:00 AM – 5:00 PM PT.

STEP 3 — Call your bank right away.

If you sent money by bank transfer or wire, call your bank’s fraud line now. The sooner you call, the better the chance of stopping or reversing the transfer. If you used a gift card, call the number on the back of the card and report it as fraud. If you gave out your account number or password, ask your bank for a new account number and change your password today. Ask them to watch your account for anything unusual.

STEP 4 — Report it.

Reporting helps stop scammers from hurting others. Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov. If the scam happened online — such as a romance scam, phishing email, or fake investment — also report it to the FBI at www.ic3.gov. If you live in Oregon, you can also call the Oregon Department of Justice at 1-877-877-9392 or file a complaint online at www.doj.state.or.us/consumer-protection/contact-us/.

 

STEP 5 — Lock down your personal information.

If you gave the scammer your Social Security number, date of birth, or bank account information, put a credit freeze on your accounts. A credit freeze is free and stops anyone from opening new accounts in your name. Call or go online to freeze your credit with all three credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Need help? Call the Identity Theft Resource Center at 1-888-400-5530 (Monday through Friday, 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM PT). They will make a free, personal plan just for your situation. You can also get a free step-by-step recovery guide at www.identitytheft.gov.

STEP 6 — This is not your fault.

Scammers do this for a living. They are very good at fooling people. They can trick anyone — no matter how smart, careful, or experienced you are. Feeling ashamed or embarrassed is normal. But shame is what scammers count on to keep you quiet. You do not have to go through this alone. The free support groups in this posting are here for you. Real people who have been through the same thing are ready to listen.

 

KEY NUMBERS TO HAVE READY

CALL NOW: 1-877-877-9392

Oregon DOJ Consumer Hotline · For Oregon Residents

CALL NOW: 1-877-908-3360

AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline · Free for Anyone · No Membership Required

CALL OR TEXT: 1-888-400-5530

Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC) · Free for Anyone

Oregon Resources

Oregon Department of Justice — Consumer Hotline

Were you scammed by a business or con artist in Oregon? Call the Oregon Department of Justice Consumer Hotline. Trained volunteers will help you file a complaint, understand your rights, and figure out your next steps. This service is free and confidential. Call 1-877-877-9392, Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM PT. You can also file a complaint online at www.doj.state.or.us/consumer-protection/contact-us/. FREE.

Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) — Fraud Recovery Resource Center

Were you scammed out of money or personal information? The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation has a free online guide to help you recover. It walks you through how to report what happened, how to protect your credit, and how to get connected to free financial coaches near you. Remember — being scammed is not your fault. Anyone can be targeted. Visit the free recovery guide at dfr.oregon.gov/financial/protect/Pages/recovery.aspx. Available 24 hours a day · 7 days a week · FREE.

AARP Oregon — Fraud Prevention Program

AARP Oregon works to protect Oregonians from fraud and scams. They offer free fraud alerts, scam prevention tips, local education events, and connections to support services across the state. You do not need to be an AARP member to use any of these resources. Visit www.aarp.org/states/oregon/fraud-prevention/. Available 24 hours a day · 7 days a week · FREE.

 

National Helplines

AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline — 1-877-908-3360

Were you targeted by a scam? Not sure what to do next? Call the AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline. Trained volunteers will listen without judgment, help you understand what happened, and guide you through your next steps. You do not need to be an AARP member. The call is completely free and confidential. Call 1-877-908-3360, Monday through Friday, 5:00 AM – 5:00 PM PT. FREE.

Hours subject to change — verify current hours at www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/about-fraud-watch-network/

Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC) — 1-888-400-5530

Was your personal information stolen? Did a scammer get your Social Security number, bank account, or passwords? The Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC) can help. A real advisor will work with you one-on-one to make a free recovery plan for your specific situation. They handle all kinds of identity theft — financial fraud, medical records misuse, stolen government IDs, and more. Call or text 1-888-400-5530, or chat online at www.idtheftcenter.org. Available Monday through Friday, 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM PT. FREE.

Hours subject to change — verify current hours at www.idtheftcenter.org/contact-us/

 

Virtual Peer Support Groups

 

AARP Fraud Watch Network — Fraud Victim Support Group (Virtual · Ongoing · New Sessions Added Every Month)

You do not have to go through this alone. These free online support groups are for people who have been hurt by fraud — and for their family members and loved ones too. Each session is led by a trained guide and gives you a safe, private space to talk, listen, and heal. You do not need to be an AARP member. All you need is a phone, tablet, or computer. Every session is free and confidential.

Types of Sessions Available

General Fraud Support · open to all fraud survivors and their loved ones

Romance Scam Victims Only · just for people who were hurt by a romance scam

Repeat Attendees Only · for people who have already attended five or more sessions

Family Members & Loved Ones Only · just for caregivers and family members of a fraud survivor

Sample Sessions — March 2026

The following confirmed sessions give you an idea of what is typically available each month:

• Thursday, March 26 · 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM PT · Repeat Attendees Only (Christine C.)
• Friday, March 27 · 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM PT · General Support (Michele B.)
• Friday, March 27 · 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM PT · Romance Scam Victims Only (Pamela M.)
• Monday, March 30 · 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM PT · General Support (Michael M.)
• Monday, March 30 · 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM PT · Romance Scam Victims Only (Michele B.)
• Tuesday, March 31 · 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM PT · Repeat Attendees Only (Liz B.)
• Tuesday, March 31 · 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM PT · General Support (Jean L.)

How to Find and Sign Up for Sessions on HeyPeers

New sessions are added every month. Here is how to find them and sign up:

Step 1 — Go to www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/fraud-victim-support-group/. Scroll down the page and click the sign-up link. It will take you to HeyPeers, the free platform where sessions are listed.

Step 2 — Create a free account at www.heypeers.com. It only takes a few minutes. All you need is an email address. It is completely free — no credit card needed.

Step 3 — Once you are logged in, type “AARP Fraud” in the search box. A list of upcoming sessions will appear. Each listing shows the date, time, type of session, and how many seats are left.

Step 4 — Pick a session that works for you and click Register. You will get a confirmation email with a Zoom link. Sign up as soon as you can — sessions fill up fast.

Step 5 — If all sessions are full, check back soon. New sessions are added throughout the month. You can also go back to www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/fraud-victim-support-group/ to see when new sessions are posted.

Sessions are one hour long. Join from your phone, tablet, or computer. No AARP membership needed. All sessions are private and completely free.

 

Cybercrime Support Network (CSN) — Romance Fraud & Crypto Scam Recovery Group (Virtual · 10-Week Program)

Were you hurt by a romance scam or a fake investment? This free 10-week online support group was made for you. A licensed counselor and a trained guide lead each session. You will be able to talk about what happened, work through your feelings, and learn how to protect yourself going forward. You will also get a free digital workbook to use throughout the program. To join, fill out a short form to get started at fightcybercrime.org/programs/peer-support/register. [VERIFY: confirm current intake availability.] FREE.

Lifespan Fraud Awareness Network — Peer Support Group (Virtual · Ages 60 and Older · Weekly)

Are you 60 or older and have been hurt by a scam? This free weekly group meets every Tuesday from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM ET (7:00 AM – 8:00 AM PT) by Zoom or phone. You can join from anywhere in the country — you do not have to live in New York. You can stay anonymous if you want. Come once or come every week — it is up to you. The group is led by Lifespan’s Fraud and Scam Prevention team and is open to survivors of any type of scam, including romance scams, investment fraud, imposter scams, and sweepstakes fraud. To join or learn more, email [email protected] or call 585-626-0250. More information at www.lifespan-roch.org/scams-consumer-protection. FREE.

Hours subject to change — contact Lifespan directly to confirm current schedule.

On-Demand Resources · Podcasts · Guides

AARP — The Perfect Scam℠ Podcast (305 Episodes)

This free weekly podcast tells real stories about real scams. You will hear from people who were scammed, from their families, and from experts who explain how scams work. Knowing how a scam works makes you much less likely to fall for one. There are 305 free episodes on topics like romance scams, Medicare fraud, fake jobs, and more. Listen on any phone or computer at www.aarp.org/podcasts/the-perfect-scam.html. No AARP membership needed. Available 24 hours a day · 7 days a week · FREE.

Identity Theft Resource Center — Podcasts: The Fraudian Slip · Weekly Breach Breakdown

The ITRC makes two free podcasts to help you stay safe. The Fraudian Slip takes a deep look at identity theft, fraud, and scams — new episodes every month. The Weekly Breach Breakdown is a short weekly update on the latest data breaches and what they mean for you. Both are free on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major platforms. Find all episodes at www.idtheftcenter.org/podcasts/. Available 24 hours a day · 7 days a week · FREE.

FightCybercrime.org — Free Online Resource Library

FightCybercrime.org has free guides and articles to help you understand, report, and recover from online scams and fraud. Topics include romance scams, fake investments, phishing, and more. It is written in plain language and easy to use. Visit the free library at fightcybercrime.org. Available 24 hours a day · 7 days a week · FREE.

 

Additional Resources

Oregon DOJ — File a complaint or get consumer help: www.doj.state.or.us/consumer-protection/

Oregon DFR — Report fraud and get recovery help: dfr.oregon.gov/financial/protect/Pages/recovery.aspx

IdentityTheft.gov — Free step-by-step recovery guide: www.identitytheft.gov

ScamSpotter.org — Free tool to help you spot a scam: www.scamspotter.org

AARP Scam-Tracking Map — See scams reported in your area: www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/tracking-map/

ITRC Help Center — Free identity theft guides and resources: www.idtheftcenter.org/recover/

CFPB Fraud & Scams Hub — U.S. government guides on scam types, identity theft, warning signs, and your rights: www.consumerfinance.gov/consumer-tools/fraud/ · Available in Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, Tagalog, Russian, Arabic, and Haitian Creole · FREE.

CFPB — Warning Signs of Fraud and Scams — Plain-language guide including AI voice scams, gift card red flags, and high-pressure tactics: www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/what-are-some-classic-warning-signs-of-possible-fraud-and-scams-en-2094/ · FREE.

CFPB — How to Get Your Money Back After Unauthorized Withdrawals: www.consumerfinance.gov/consumer-tools/fraud/answers/know-your-rights/ · FREE.

National Do Not Call Registry — Add your phone number to stop unwanted sales calls: Call 1-888-382-1222 or register at www.donotcall.gov · FREE.

About These Organizations

The Oregon Department of Justice Consumer Protection Division has helped Oregon consumers for many years. Trained volunteers answer more than 30,000 calls a year. Their goal is to keep Oregon’s marketplace safe and fair for everyone.

The AARP Fraud Watch Network is a free program run by AARP, a nonprofit that supports Americans aged 50 and older. The Fraud Watch Network offers fraud prevention tips, a national helpline, peer support groups, and works with law enforcement to fight scams. You do not need an AARP membership to use any Fraud Watch resources.

The Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC) is a nonprofit that has been helping people affected by identity theft for free since 1999. It is the only organization in the U.S. that focuses entirely on helping people recover from identity crimes. The ITRC has received a national award from the U.S. Department of Justice for its work supporting survivors.

The Cybercrime Support Network (CSN) is a nonprofit that created FightCybercrime.org. CSN helps people recognize online scams, report them to the right places, and recover from them. They work with law enforcement, government agencies, and community groups to make the internet safer for everyone.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is a U.S. government agency that makes sure banks, lenders, and other financial companies treat you fairly. Their free Fraud and Scams hub gives you plain-language guides on how to spot scams, protect your identity, understand your rights, and take action. Resources are available in eight languages.

 

Disclaimer

This information is shared as a helpful guide only. These resources are not a substitute for legal advice, professional financial help, or mental health treatment. All services listed are free and confidential. If someone is in immediate danger, call 911. If you or someone you know is in a mental health crisis, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) any time, day or night. Hours and availability for all listed services may change — always check directly with the provider.