💙 First: it is not your fault
Scams and ransomware are designed by professional criminals to fool smart, careful people. Falling for one doesn't mean you did something wrong — the most important thing now is acting quickly and reporting it, not feeling ashamed.
If you suspect ransomware on a device
- Disconnect it from the internet — turn off Wi-Fi or unplug the network cable. This can stop the ransomware from spreading further or communicating with attackers.
- Don't pay the ransom and don't panic-click anything on the ransom screen.
- Don't try to fix it alone if you're not comfortable — get help from a trusted tech-savvy family member, TechEase, or a professional.
- Once the device is cleaned (professionally, if needed), restore your files from your backup.
- Change your passwords from a different, unaffected device — starting with email and banking.
If you sent money or shared information to a scammer
- Contact your bank or card company immediately to report the transaction and ask about reversing it or freezing the account.
- Change passwords for any account where you may have shared login details.
- Turn on two-factor authentication if you haven't already (see Module 3).
- Report it — see below.
Where to report
- FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3): ic3.gov
- Federal Trade Commission (FTC): reportfraud.ftc.gov
- Your local police non-emergency line, especially if money was lost
- Your bank or credit card company, if financial information was involved
Reporting doesn't just help you — it helps investigators track patterns and warn
others. Even if you don't expect your money back, a report matters.
✅ Quick tips
- Act quickly, but don't panic — disconnect, don't pay, and get help
- Report the incident, even if you feel embarrassed
- Lean on your backup if ransomware struck — this is exactly what it's for
- Talk to someone you trust; you don't have to handle it alone