If you or a loved one ever falls victim to an impostor scam, here are the immediate steps to take.

• Contact your financial institution. Call the fraud department directly using the number printed on your physical card, or look it up online. However, even then, you have to be careful not to land on a fake page. Freeze all compromised accounts. Ask for new account numbers.
• Change your passwords: Update your credentials for online banking, email and primary accounts. Enable Two-Factor Authentication using an authenticator app.
• Disconnect remote access: If you allowed someone to access your computer or tablet, turn off your WiFi connection immediately, uninstall the software, and have a professional inspect the device for hidden malware.
• Don’t answer calls you don’t recognize.
• Report the crime. You might feel ashamed or embarrassed, but still come forward and file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov.
• Contact local police and the DMV. Provide details of the scam and specify what information you provided, such as a copy of your driver’s license. Keep a copy of the police report number; state agencies and banks often request it. If your license information has been compromised, contact your state’s motor vehicle department.
• Freeze your credit file. Place a “security freeze,” also called a “credit freeze,” with all three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. This blocks lenders from pulling your credit report, effectively stopping scammers from opening new credit cards, auto loans or personal loans in your name.
• Monitor your credit history: Regularly check your credit reports at AnnualCreditReport.com. You can do this once a week.