The Grifter’s Playbook — Part 3: Fort Knox Protocol
Subtitle: If the bait was swallowed, here’s how to slam the gates shut.
So maybe you gave your name. Maybe your address. Maybe worse—bank info, ID, or social security number.
This post isn’t about shaming that. This post is about locking the damn vault before they get inside.
Here's your no-panic, no-shame checklist for what to do after you've handed over information to someone you shouldn't have.
1️⃣ If You Sent Your Social Security Number Immediately visit: identitytheft.gov
File an official report with the FTC
Request a fraud alert with one of the three credit bureaus (they’ll notify the others):
Equifax: 1-800-525-6285
Experian: 1-888-397-3742
TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289
Freeze your credit temporarily if necessary
This keeps scammers from opening accounts or loans under your name.
2️⃣ If You Gave Bank Account Info Call your bank immediately
Request a fraud block, new account number, or full account closure
Monitor all transactions for anything unfamiliar
Set up fraud alerts and transaction notifications
Banks see this every day. Don’t delay. Just act.
3️⃣ If You Sent a Photo of Your ID File a police report (document the incident)
Check with your state DMV for replacement options or fraud flags
Consider signing up for identity monitoring services like LifeLock, Aura, or even free ones through your bank or insurance provider
4️⃣ If You Cashed or Deposited a Check “They sent me a check to buy supplies or ‘test’ money services.”
That’s a fake check scam. Even if your bank clears it at first, it will bounce days later—and you’ll owe the full amount.
Notify your bank right away
Do not spend or transfer the funds
Document every message they sent you
If you already sent some of the money back, report it to:
reportfraud.ftc.gov
Your bank’s fraud department
5️⃣ If You Just Feel Iffy About It Now Even if you’re unsure—take it seriously.
Scammers count on your hesitation. They want you to feel too embarrassed or unsure to act.
But you don’t owe shame. You owe yourself protection.
🎯 Bottom Line You’re not stupid. You’re human. And humans trust—even when they shouldn’t.
But the second you realize it was a trap? That’s when Fort Knox locks down. You become the firewall. You become the reckoning.
💡 Raccoon Rule: If you gave them a key—change the locks. No silence. No delay. Just action with claws out and no apologies. 🦝
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