Scams, Fraud & Online Exploitation

If someone has used deception, false information, or manipulation to take your money, obtain your personal information, access your accounts, or pressure you into providing something you did not want to provide, you may have experienced a scam, fraud, or online exploitation.

These situations can happen to anyone and may involve financial loss, privacy concerns, emotional distress, or feelings of being violated or taken advantage of. The person responsible may be a stranger, an online contact, someone you know, or someone pretending to represent a trusted organization.

Your safety and well-being are the priority. Whether you choose to report to law enforcement immediately, later, or not at all, support and resources are available to help you understand your options. You will not be judged. You are in control of your decisions. You are not alone. We are here to help.

Understanding Scams, Fraud & Online Exploitation

Scams, fraud, and online exploitation often involve a person creating a false sense of trust, urgency, fear, or obligation to influence someone's decisions. The goal may be to obtain money, personal information, access to accounts, intimate images, or other personal benefits.

These situations can occur through phone calls, emails, text messages, social media, dating applications, online marketplaces, websites, or other forms of communication.

Common examples may include:

  • Romance and Relationship Scams — developing an emotional connection or relationship with someone in order to gain trust and later request money, information, or other assistance.
  • Online Exploitation and Sextortion — threatening to share intimate images, videos, or private information unless a person provides money, additional images, or complies with other demands.
  • Impersonation Scams — someone pretending to be a trusted person or organization, such as law enforcement, a university employee, a government agency, a financial institution, or a family member, in order to obtain money or information.
  • Financial Scams — requests for gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers, payment applications, checks, or other forms of payment through deceptive methods.
  • Employment, Housing, and Marketplace Scams — fraudulent job offers, rental opportunities, purchases, or sales intended to obtain money or personal information.
  • Phishing and Account Compromise — fraudulent messages, emails, websites, or links designed to steal passwords, financial information, or access to personal accounts.
  • Identity Theft and Personal Information Misuse — using another person's identifying information, financial accounts, or personal data without permission.
  • Technology-Facilitated Exploitation — using digital platforms, accounts, or technology to threaten, intimidate, manipulate, or harm another person.

Experiencing a scam, fraud, or online exploitation can affect people in different ways. Some individuals may feel embarrassed, ashamed, angry, anxious, or uncertain about what to do next. Others may be concerned about financial consequences, privacy, reputation, or ongoing threats.

If you believe you have been targeted, support is available. Victim Services can help you understand your options, discuss safety concerns, and connect you with resources based on your individual circumstances.

How UTPD Victim Services Can Help

Every situation is different, and there is no “right” way to respond after experiencing a scam, fraud, or online exploitation. Whether you choose to report to law enforcement, seek assistance from another organization, or simply want to discuss your concerns, Victim Services is available to provide information, support, and guidance.

Our services are free and available regardless of whether you decide to make a police report. Victim Services can help you understand your options, identify next steps, and connect you with resources based on your individual circumstances.

Victim Services can assist with:

Emotional Support & Crisis Intervention

  • Help individuals process feelings of fear, embarrassment, anger, anxiety, or uncertainty following a scam, fraud, or online exploitation.
  • Provide support while helping individuals regain a sense of control and identify next steps.

Safety & Digital Safety Planning

  • Discuss strategies to increase personal safety when someone is making threats, engaging in harassment, or attempting continued contact.
  • Provide guidance on protecting online accounts, personal information, and digital privacy.
  • Discuss steps to reduce the risk of continued exploitation.

Understanding Your Options

  • Explain the criminal justice process and what to expect if you choose to make a report.
  • Provide information about reporting options and available university resources.
  • Discuss options for responding to financial loss, identity theft, or threats involving personal information or intimate images.

Documentation & Practical Assistance

  • Provide guidance on preserving important information, including messages, emails, usernames, payment records, screenshots, and other documentation.
  • Assist with identifying information that may be helpful if you choose to report the incident.
  • Discuss steps to protect accounts, financial information, and personal privacy.

Online Exploitation Support

  • Provide support and guidance when someone is threatened, pressured, or coerced through digital platforms.
  • Discuss safety considerations related to sextortion, intimate images, online harassment, or threats to share private information.
  • Connect individuals with appropriate advocacy, legal, or community resources.

Referrals & Advocacy

  • Connect you with campus departments, financial institutions, identity theft resources, counseling services, legal resources, and community organizations based on your needs.
  • Provide advocacy and support throughout the process when appropriate.

Our goal is to help you understand your options, increase your safety, and support the decisions that are right for you.

Helpful Contacts