How to secure your accounts after a scam

Priority order — most critical first

1. Email account

Your email is the master key. If a scammer has access, they can reset every other account.

• Change your email password immediately
• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA)
• Check recovery email and phone number have not been changed
• Review forwarding rules that may have been added

2. Banking and financial accounts

• Call your bank fraud line immediately if any financial details were shared
• Check recent transactions for anything unfamiliar
• Freeze your card if card details were compromised

3. Social media

• Change passwords for any accounts using the same compromised password
• Enable 2FA on all accounts
• Check for posts or messages you did not make

4. Your device

• Run a reputable antivirus scan
• Check for apps or software you did not install
• If remote access was granted, consider a factory reset