p>Even when you have the best information, you can still fall victim to a scam. To help minimise further damage, follow these simple steps:&nbsp;</p><p><strong>1. Hang up</strong> – As soon as you realise you’ve been scammed, hang up the phone or shut down your browser window.</p><p><strong>2. Stop payments</strong> – Don’t send any more money, even if someone promises they can retrieve your lost money for a fee.</p><p><strong>3. Let your bank know </strong>– Ask your bank or credit union to put your accounts and credit cards on hold or cancel them if necessary.</p><p><strong>4. Security</strong> – Change the passwords on all your accounts and devices, creating a unique password for each. Update your anti-virus software.</p><p><strong>5. Log it </strong>– Report the incident to <a href="https://www.cert.govt.nz/individuals/report-an-issue/" target="_blank" rel="external nofollow noreferrer noopener">CERT NZ</a> to help them crack down on any illegal activity.</p><p><strong>6. Tell others </strong>– Scammers rely on us being secretive, so telling your friends and family about the scam helps make sure everyone you talk to will be better prepared to avoid scams in the future.</p><p>For more detailed information on what to do if you fall victim to a scam, the New Zealand government’s <a href="https://www.consumerprotection.govt.nz/general-help/scamwatch/scammed-take-action/" target="_blank" rel="external nofollow noreferrer noopener">Consumer Protection</a> website has a host of invaluable resources and a complete list of organisations that you can speak to if you need more help.</p><p>If you’re concerned that you’ve been scammed by someone impersonating SPCA Pet Insurance, please&nbsp;<a href="https://www.spcapetinsurance.co.nz/contact">contact&nbsp;us immediately</a>. The sooner we know about your situation, the sooner we can take steps to minimise any further damage.</p