Scams can happen to anyone. Whether you're a busy parent juggling responsibilities, a retiree enjoying your golden years, or a working professional managing finances, scammers are constantly evolving their tactics to exploit trust and vulnerability. If you’ve fallen victim to a scam, it’s important to act quickly and know that help is available.

1. Stay calm and assess the situation

 Scammers often rely on panic and urgency to keep victims from thinking clearly or taking protective action. Take a few minutes to breathe and gather your thoughts. Then, carefully review what happened: Did you send money? Share sensitive personal information like your Social Security number or banking details? Allow someone remote access to your computer or phone?

Understanding exactly what was compromised will help you take the right next steps. The more clearly you can assess the situation, the more effectively you can respond and limit the damage.

2. Take immediate action based on the type of scam

If you sent money to someone

Credit or debit card: Contact our Customer Care Center immediately at 800-497-8168 to report the fraudulent charge and request a reversal.

Bank Transfer: Notify us immediately at 800-497-8168 to report  the transfer and ask if it can be reversed.

Gift Cards: Call the company that issued the gift card. Keep the card if you still have it, along with the receipt, and explain that the card was used in a scam.

Wire Transfers: Contact the wire service (e.g., Western Union, MoneyGram) and report the fraud. Ask if the transfer can be reversed.

Money Transfer Apps: Report the transaction to the app provider and your bank or card issuer if linked.

Cash by Mail: Call the U.S. Postal Inspection Service at 877-876-2455 to request a package intercept.

If you shared personal information

Social Security Number: Visit IdentityTheft.gov for steps to protect your identity and monitor your credit.

Passwords: Change them immediately. If reused across accounts, update those as well.

If you gave remote access to your devices

Computer: Run a security scan using trusted antivirus software. Remove any threats and update your passwords.

Phone: Contact your service provider to regain control of your number. Check financial accounts for unauthorized activity.

3. Report the scam

Reporting helps protect others and supports law enforcement efforts. In addition to your bank, you should also report the scam to:

• Your local law enforcement agency
• The Federal Trade Commission
• The FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center if the scam happened online

4. Monitor your accounts

Keep a close eye on your bank, credit card, and investment accounts. Set up alerts for suspicious activity and consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze with the major credit bureaus.

Learn more about our Mobile Fraud Alert Service, Card Alerts, and Card Security Options.

5. Talk about it

Scams can leave victims feeling embarrassed, ashamed, or isolated—but it’s important to remember that anyone can be targeted, and talking about your experience is a powerful step in moving forward. Many scams rely on secrecy and silence to continue operating, so speaking up can disrupt that cycle. Whether you’re warning a loved one about a phishing email or reporting the scam to authorities, your voice matters.

We're here to help

Falling victim to a scam can be unsettling, but you don’t have to face it alone. By taking swift action and staying informed, you can protect your finances and begin the recovery process with confidence. At National Bank of Arizona, we’re committed to helping our clients navigate fraud-related challenges with care and clarity.

If you suspect suspicious activity or need support, reach out to your local branch or contact our Customer Care Center at 800-497-8168.