What to do if you are scammed

Jen Cormack • September 22, 2024

Protect yourself from online scams - what to do if you've fallen victim

photo of a credit card with a fishing hook attached

Protect Yourself from Online Scams – What to Do If You've Fallen Victim


Online scams are becoming increasingly common, and it can be difficult to know what to do if you've fallen victim to one. The first step is to report the scam to the appropriate authorities. In the United States, you can report online scams to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at www.ic3.gov. This is a partnership between the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the National White Collar Crime Center (NW3C), and the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA). The IC3 website provides a convenient and secure way to report internet-facilitated crimes and to obtain information on how to protect yourself from these types of crimes.

Another option is to report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at www.ftc.gov/complaint. The FTC is the nation's consumer protection agency and can help you file a complaint and provide information about what steps you can take to protect yourself from future scams.


Romance Scams & "Pig Butchering" Scams – Growing Threats

One particularly insidious type of scam that has gained traction is the romance scam, where fraudsters build an emotional connection with victims online, only to manipulate them into sending money or personal information. Another variant of this is the “pig butchering” scam, where scammers engage with victims over time, gaining their trust before tricking them into fake investment opportunities. These scams are devastating and often leave victims feeling isolated and ashamed.


If you suspect you’ve fallen victim to a romance scam or a “pig butchering” scam, it's critical to act quickly. In addition to reporting the scam to authorities, you should seek professional help to recover as much as possible and to prevent further damage.



At Jennifer Cormack Consulting, we specialize in fraud investigations, including romance and investment scams. If you’ve been targeted or need assistance navigating these complicated situations, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team can help you track the origins of the scam, protect your assets, and provide the support you need during this challenging time.

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Hiring a Private Investigator: How much does it cost?

By Jen Cormack • October 15, 2024
Hiring a Private Investigator
a security camera is mounted on the side of a building .

Physical Security Consulting

By Jen Cormack • September 22, 2024
Background: The owner of a well-known restaurant and bar reached out to me with concerns about the reputation of the establishment being tarnished by the potentially embarrassing activities of his employees and/or patrons. He was worried that negative actions of these individuals could lead to negative publicity, loss of business, and legal issues. Process: To address these concerns, I performed an in-depth security assessment using a security assessment framework. This included behavior observations during peak hours, and an analysis of the establishment's current security practices and policies. During the assessment, I identified key areas of concern such as inadequate surveillance, lack of employee training, and weak security policies. I then made recommendations for improvement in these areas, including the installation of additional surveillance cameras, employee training on security protocols, and the development of a comprehensive security policy. Takeaway: The owner of the restaurant and bar implemented the recommendations, resulting in better security practices and posture. This improved the overall security of the establishment, reducing the likelihood of negative incidents and protecting the reputation of the business. Additionally, the new security measures helped the owner to comply with relevant regulations and laws, which helped to mitigate legal risks and improve the overall safety of the establishment. Overall, the security assessment provided the owner with the information and tools necessary to protect the reputation and assets of his business.
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Locate Defendant

By Jen Cormack • September 22, 2024
Background: A law firm was having difficulty finding the subject of a lawsuit in order to assess what assets he may have for forfeiture. The firm needed to locate the individual in order to recover assets for the victim in the lawsuit and contacted me to assist. Process: To help the law firm locate the subject of the lawsuit, I performed an in-depth search online. I used various techniques such as searching public records, social media analysis, and Google Street View. I was able to locate a key clue that provided context about the individual's spouse. Through further social media analysis, I was able to fully identify and locate the subject of the lawsuit. This included image comparison of pictures on social media and cross reference with the residence found from public records and Google Street View of the residence. Takeaway: The law firm was able to use the information I provided to identify potential assets that could be recovered for the victim in the lawsuit. My thorough online search and social media analysis provided the firm with the information they needed to locate the individual, and the assets they may have. This helped the firm to build a stronger case, and ultimately helped the victim to recover the assets they were entitled to. Overall, my process of online search, social media analysis and image comparison helped the law firm to successfully locate the subject of the lawsuit and identify potential assets that could be recovered for the victim.
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Background Checks

By Jen Cormack • September 22, 2024
Background: A female client contacted me as she was concerned that her ex-spouse's new girlfriend may have a criminal background, and she did not want the children to be exposed to illegal activity during visitation times. She wanted to ensure the safety of her children while they were in the custody of her ex-spouse. Process: To address these concerns, I performed an in-depth footprinting of the new girlfriend and her close associates. The process included running criminal records searches, deep web searches, and social media postings. I used various techniques such as searching public records, social media analysis, and deep web search, to gather information about the new girlfriend and her close associates. Takeaway: Through my investigation, I was able to find that the new girlfriend did have a criminal history, and the father of the girlfriend's child had an extensive criminal record. My client was able to use this information to update the custody agreement so that her ex-spouse was not allowed to have the new girlfriend around the children during his visitation time. This helped to ensure the safety and well-being of the children during their time with their father. Overall, my in-depth footprinting and background check helped the client to understand the background of her ex-spouse's new girlfriend and take appropriate actions to protect her children.
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Locate Lost Relatives

By Jen Cormack • September 22, 2024
Background: A client contacted me because they had been estranged from their son for several years and were worried about his well-being. They wanted to find out if he was alive and well and if possible, reconnect with him. Process: To locate the son, I performed a detailed background investigation. This included searching paid databases, public records, social media, and other deep web online platforms. Through my investigation, I was able to determine that the son had moved to a new state. Takeaway: This gave the client peace of mind and the opportunity to reconnect with their son if they chose to. My background investigation helped to provide the client with the information they needed to make informed decisions about their son's well-being. The client was very happy with the results and grateful for the peace of mind that came with knowing their son was alive and well.
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