Online Fraud & Scams
Paid for something online that never arrived or wasn’t as described?
Pressured to pay by gift cards, wire, crypto, or Zelle?
Clicked a link and now see strange charges or locked accounts?
Got a “bank security,” “tech support,” or delivery message asking for money?

Online scams have become increasingly common. Scammers hide in the shadows of the internet, targeting the unwary. From phishing emails to fake e-commerce sites, the variety of online scams has expanded, becoming harder to detect. Fortunately, there ARE legal options some of the time when you’ve been scammed, thanks to two laws called the Electronic Funds Transfer Act (EFTA), and the Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA). If you report unauthorized access to your bank or credit card accounts in less than sixty days (and in writing with respect to credit cards), you may have options under these laws.
Common Types of Online Scams
Phishing Attacks
One of the oldest and most common online scams. Criminals impersonal real companies or government agencies through emails, text messages, or fake websites to get sensitive financial information or Social Security numbers.
E-commerce Scams
Fake websites that mimic real retailers. These fake sites often offer deals that seem too good to be true, such as massive discounts on popular products. Once victims make a purchase, they may receive counterfeit goods, no goods at all, or, worse, have their credit card details stolen.
Tech Support Scams
Fake computer assistance. Criminals pretend to be from legitimate tech companies, or from your own bank or credit card company, and either alert you to a potential security breach or offer other technical help. If you give them access to your computer, they may steal sensitive financial information or infect your computer with a virus.
Investment Scams
Fake money-making opportunities promising big returns. Scams often involve fake investments or pyramid schemes that encourage individuals to invest in non-existent assets. Scam operators disappear with the money.
Legal Tools We Use to Help the Consumer
Two powerful legal tools at a consumer’s disposal after having been scammed are the Electronic Funds Transfer Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1693 et. seq., and the Fair Credit Billing Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1666. Where EFTA is designed to protect consumers when they transfer funds electronically and guard against unauthorized transactions, the FCBA is designed to give consumers an opportunity to dispute errors on credit card statements. Both laws, to be effective, require consumers to dispute errors with your bank or credit-card issuer within sixty (60) days of a statement reflecting the error. FCBA DISPUTES MUST BE IN WRITING FOR THE LAW TO BE EFFECTIVE.
Electronic Funds Transfer Act (EFTA)
A U.S. law designed to protect consumers when they transfer funds electronically. This includes transactions like ATM withdrawals, direct deposits, and electronic payments. EFTA sets rules for:
- Disclosure of fees and terms related to electronic transfers
- Consumer rights regarding errors or unauthorized transactions (such as fraud or mistaken transfers)
- Liability limits for lost or stolen cards
- Procedures for resolving disputes
Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA)
A U.S. law passed in 1974, is part of the Truth in Lending Act and protects consumers from unfair billing practices by credit card companies and other lenders. Key provisions include:
- Rights to dispute billing errors (e.g., charges for goods or services not received)
- Requirement for creditors to acknowledge disputes and investigate them within a set timeframe
- Limits on the consumer's liability for unauthorized charges to a credit account
- Prohibitions on retaliation for disputes or complaints filed by consumers
Both laws are aimed at increasing fairness and protecting consumers in financial transactions.
What to Do If You Fall Victim to an Online Scam
Stop All Communication
If you’re still in contact with the scammer, stop communicating immediately. Whether it’s through email, phone, or social media, stop responding to the scammer's messages.
Report the Scam By Phone AND in Writing
Reporting the scam is the single most important step in preserving your legal rights. You should report it to the following entities:
Your bank or credit card company:
If the scammer gained access to your financial information, immediately contact your bank or credit card company to report the fraud. BE SURE TO REPORT THE UNAUTHORIZED ACCESS BY PHONE AND IN WRITING WITHIN 60 DAYS (or less) if possible.
The platform where the scam occurred:
Whether the scam took place on a social media site, an online marketplace, or a dating app, report the fraudulent activity to the platform’s support team. Most platforms have dedicated teams to handle scams and fraud.
Your Credit Reports:
If sensitive financial information has been compromised, place a fraud alert on your credit reports. You can do this by calling or going to the websites of the big three credit reporting companies: Equifax, Experian, or Trans Union.
File a Police Report:
In the U.S., you can report internet crimes to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)( https://www.ic3.gov), the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)( https://reportfraud.ftc.gov), and your local police.
Anti-Phishing Agencies:
If you’ve been targeted by phishing emails, you can report them to anti-phishing organizations such as the Anti-Phishing Working Group (APWG)( https://apwg.org/reportphishing).
Change Your Passwords
If the scam involved the theft of login credentials, immediately change your passwords for any affected accounts. Use strong, unique passwords for each account and enable two- factor authentication (2FA) where possible to add an extra layer of security.
Monitor Your Accounts
Even if the scam doesn’t appear to have involved financial loss, you should monitor your bank statements, credit card bills, and credit reports for any unusual activity. Scammers may attempt to use your information for further fraudulent actions, and early detection can help you prevent additional losses.
Educate Yourself and Others
If you’ve fallen victim to an online scam, it’s important to learn from the experience and educate others to help prevent future fraud. Share your story with friends and family, especially if they may be more vulnerable to scams. You can also stay informed about new scams by following reputable cybersecurity sources.
Get Legal Help
Most financial institutions are, sadly, disinclined to help victims of online scams because of the expense. To have the prospect of potentially recovering some of what you’ve lost, you’re likely to need an attorney. To find help in Pennsylvania, call our office at (412) 378-5854. Alternatively, find a consumer lawyer in your area by going to: https://www.consumeradvocates.org/findanattorney/
Online scams are a growing threat. From phishing attacks to fraudulent e-commerce sites, scammers use a wide array of methods to trick unsuspecting victims. If you’ve fallen victim to a scam, call our office at (412) 378-5854 and schedule a free consultation. Depending on the circumstances of the scam, we may be able to help.
How Do I Get Started?
Call our office today at (412) 378-5854 or book a free 15-minute consultation. We look forward to speaking with you and seeing if we can help.