What to do when you are scammed on social media and who should you turn to for assistance?

If you've been scammed on social media, it's important to take immediate action to mitigate any potential damage and seek assistance. Here's what you should do and please do follow them in sequence.

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1. Stop Communication: If you're in contact with the scammer, cease all communication with them immediately. Do not provide any further information or engage in any transactions.
2. Document Evidence: Gather and save all evidence of the scam, including screenshots of messages, emails, profiles, and any other relevant information. This documentation may be useful if you need to report the scam to authorities or platforms.
3. Report the Scam: Depending on the situation, report the scam to the appropriate platform or organization. Most social media platforms have reporting mechanisms for suspicious or fraudulent activity. Look for options like "Report" or "Flag" on the scammer's profile or posts.
4. Protect Your Accounts: Change your passwords for all online accounts, especially if you've shared sensitive information with the scammer. Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever possible to add an extra layer of security.
5. Contact Your Financial Institution: If you've provided financial information or made transactions, contact your bank or credit card company to report the scam and potentially block any unauthorized charges.
6. Notify Law Enforcement: If you believe you've been a victim of a serious scam, consider reporting the incident to your local law enforcement agency. They can provide guidance on the next steps and may initiate an investigation. Please call the police hotline at 1800 255 0000 for assistance.
7. File a Complaint: If the scam involved financial loss, you could file a complaint with the Commercial Affairs Department (CAD). Visit their site for more information on how to do so at https://www.police.gov.sg/ or you can call the main police hotline at 1800 255 0000 for assistance.
8. Contact Social Media Platform Support: Reach out to the support team of the social media platform where the scam occurred. They may be able to provide guidance, investigate the issue, and take necessary actions against the scammer’s account.
9. Inform Friends and Family: If the scam involved impersonation or compromised accounts, let your friends and family know so they are aware of the situation and can take precautions.
10. Educate Yourself: Take this experience as an opportunity to educate yourself about common online scams and how to protect yourself in the future. Stay informed about the latest tactics used by scammers.
11. Seek Legal Advice: If the scam has led to significant financial or legal consequences, consider seeking legal advice from a professional who specializes in cybercrime or consumer protection.

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Remember that the specific steps you should take may vary depending on the nature of the scam, your location, and the laws in Singapore. Acting promptly and seeking assistance from appropriate sources can help you minimize the impact of the scam and potentially recover losses.