The internet offers a world of connection, learning, and entertainment. You deserve to explore it with confidence and peace of mind. A crucial step in feeling secure online involves understanding and managing your browsing history. Think of your internet browser as a helpful assistant, remembering where you have been and what you have looked at. While this memory can be convenient, it also collects information that you might prefer to keep private. Taking control of this history empowers you, giving you a stronger sense of security and control over your digital footprint.

Many people find the idea of clearing their browsing history a bit daunting, or they simply do not know why it is important. This guide will walk you through what browsing history is, why managing it matters, and provide clear, step-by-step instructions for deleting it on the most common web browsers. You will learn to protect your privacy and keep your online experience running smoothly. This is about empowering you with practical knowledge, not about creating fear. You are taking a smart, proactive step in safeguarding your personal information online.

Table of Contents

• What is Browsing History and Why Should You Care?
• Understanding the Different Types of Data Your Browser Stores
• The Practical Benefits of Clearing Your Browsing History
• How to Delete Your Browsing History in Google Chrome
• How to Delete Your Browsing History in Mozilla Firefox
• How to Delete Your Browsing History in Microsoft Edge
• How to Delete Your Browsing History in Apple Safari
• Incognito Mode and Private Browsing: What They Do, and What They Do Not Do
• Automating Your Browser Privacy: Settings for Regular Clearing
• What to Do If Something Feels Wrong Online
• Frequently Asked Questions

What is Browsing History and Why Should You Care?

Your browsing history is a record of every website you visit, every link you click, and every search term you type into your web browser. Think of it as a digital diary of your online journeys. Your browser keeps this record to make your online experience more convenient. For example, when you start typing a website address, your browser suggests sites you have visited before. This convenience, however, comes with privacy implications. If someone else uses your computer, they can easily see where you have been online, which might reveal personal interests, financial activities, or health inquiries that you prefer to keep private.

Beyond the simple list of websites, your browser also stores other information like “cookies” and “cache.” Cookies are small files websites place on your computer to remember you. They might keep you logged into a site, remember items in your shopping cart, or track your preferences to show you relevant advertisements. The “cache” is a collection of temporary files, like images and parts of websites, that your browser saves to help pages load faster when you revisit them. While cookies and cache serve helpful purposes, they can also gather significant data about your online behavior. Regularly managing your browsing history, clearing your cache, and deleting cookies gives you control over who sees this information and how it is used. It is a fundamental step in browser privacy, ensuring your online activities remain more personal to you.

Understanding the Different Types of Data Your Browser Stores

To truly manage your online privacy, you need to understand the various kinds of data your web browser collects and stores. It is more than just a list of visited websites. Each type of data serves a different purpose for your browser, and for you, understanding these distinctions helps you decide what to keep and what to clear. You have the power to manage these elements, enhancing your security and privacy.

1. Browsing History: This is the straightforward list of all the webpages you have visited. It includes the date and time of your visits. This data makes it easy to go back to a site you remember seeing but cannot recall the address for. However, it also creates a clear record of your online activities.
2. Cookies and Other Site Data: As mentioned, cookies are small files that websites store on your computer. They remember things about your visits, like your login status, shopping cart contents, or personalized settings. For example, if you visit a news site, a cookie might remember your preferred topics. While many cookies enhance your experience, some are “third-party cookies” used by advertisers to track your browsing across multiple sites. Clearing cookies helps reduce this kind of tracking and protects your browser privacy.
3. Cached Images and Files (Cache): When you visit a website, your browser saves some of its elements, like pictures, logos, and parts of the website’s code, in a temporary storage area called the cache. The next time you visit that site, your browser loads these elements from your computer instead of downloading them again from the internet. This makes webpages load much faster. Clearing your cache can sometimes resolve issues with websites not displaying correctly, and it helps maintain your privacy by removing old site data.
4. Download History: This is a list of files you have downloaded from the internet. It does not include the files themselves, just a record of what you downloaded and when. You might want to clear this if you downloaded sensitive documents you do not want others to know about.
5. Saved Passwords: Many browsers offer to remember your usernames and passwords for websites. This convenience means you do not have to type them in every time. While helpful, it also means anyone with access to your computer could potentially access your saved passwords if your computer is not properly secured. It is often safer to use a dedicated password manager, which provides a more robust layer of security.
6. Autofill Form Data: Your browser can remember information you frequently type into online forms, such as your name, address, phone number, and email. This feature speeds up filling out forms, but like saved passwords, it can reveal personal information if someone else uses your device.

Each of these data types contributes to your browser’s “memory.” By understanding them, you gain a clearer picture of what information you are sharing, and you are better equipped to decide how and when to clear browser history and other data for optimal online safety.

The Practical Benefits of Clearing Your Browsing History

Regularly clearing your browsing history, cache, and cookies offers several tangible benefits that enhance your online experience. You gain more control, improve your security, and keep your devices running smoothly. These are practical steps you can take to make your internet use safer and more efficient.

1. Boosted Privacy: This is arguably the most significant benefit. When you clear your browsing history, you remove the digital trail of websites you have visited. This prevents anyone else who uses your computer from seeing your online activities. It keeps your personal interests, research, and sensitive activities, like online banking or health inquiries, private. Think of it as shredding documents you no longer need.
2. Enhanced Security: Clearing cookies, especially third-party cookies, reduces the ability of advertisers and other entities to track your online behavior across different websites. This makes it harder for companies to build detailed profiles of your habits for targeted advertising. While not a complete shield, it significantly improves your browser privacy and makes you less vulnerable to certain types of online tracking.
3. Improved Computer Performance: Over time, your browser’s cache can accumulate thousands of temporary files. While the cache helps pages load faster, a very large cache can sometimes slow down your browser or even lead to errors when loading certain websites. Clearing your cache regularly can free up disk space and often resolves common browser sluggishness, making your computer run a bit quicker when browsing. Many users report noticeable improvements in loading times after they clear cache data.
4. Resolved Website Display Issues: Sometimes, older cached files can conflict with updated website content, causing pages to display incorrectly or to malfunction. If you ever find a website looking “off” or not working as expected, clearing your browser’s cache and cookies is often the first troubleshooting step recommended. It forces your browser to download the most current versions of site elements.
5. Protection Against Scammers: While not a direct defense against every scam, keeping your browsing history clean reduces the amount of personal data available on your computer. Scammers often rely on gathering bits of information to make their tricks seem more legitimate. By regularly deleting browsing history and other data, you limit what they might potentially access if they were ever to gain unauthorized, albeit temporary, access to your device. This makes it harder for them to piece together a picture of your online life.

You have the power to control your online privacy. Regularly clearing your browsing history is a straightforward, effective action that enhances your security and peace of mind. It is a proactive step, not a reactive one.

How to Delete Your Browsing History in Google Chrome

Google Chrome is one of the most popular web browsers. Clearing your history in Chrome is a simple process once you know where to look. Follow these steps carefully to delete your browsing data. You decide what information to remove and for what time period.

1. Open Chrome: Start by launching the Google Chrome browser on your computer.
2. Access Settings: In the top right corner of the Chrome window, you will see three vertical dots. Click on these dots to open the Chrome menu.
3. Go to History: From the menu, hover your mouse over “History” and then click on “History” again in the submenu that appears. Alternatively, you can press Ctrl + H (on Windows) or Command + Y (on Mac) to go directly to the history page.
4. Clear Browsing Data: On the left side of the History page, you will see an option labeled “Clear browsing data.” Click on this.
5. Choose Time Range: A new window will pop up titled “Clear browsing data.” At the top, there is a dropdown menu for “Time range.” Click this menu and select how far back you want to delete your data. Your options include “Last hour,” “Last 24 hours,” “Last 7 days,” “Last 4 weeks,” and “All time.” For comprehensive browser privacy, choosing “All time” is often the most effective option, especially if you have not done this before.
6. Select Data Types: Below the time range, you will see checkboxes for different types of data.
   • Browsing history: This deletes the list of websites you have visited.
   • Cookies and other site data: This removes files websites store to remember you, which can sign you out of most sites.
   • Cached images and files: This clears temporary files saved to make pages load faster.

   You can also click on the “Advanced” tab to see more options, such as “Saved passwords” and “Autofill form data.” Think carefully before removing saved passwords if you rely on them, or consider moving them to a secure password manager. For general privacy and performance, focus on the first three items.

7. Confirm Deletion: Once you have selected your desired time range and data types, click the blue “Clear data” button. Chrome will then delete the selected information. This process may take a few moments, depending on how much data you are clearing.

After completing these steps, your selected browsing data will be removed. You can now browse with a refreshed sense of browser privacy. Remember to repeat this process regularly, perhaps monthly or every few weeks, to maintain good online safety practices and keep your browser running efficiently.

How to Delete Your Browsing History in Mozilla Firefox

Mozilla Firefox is another popular and privacy-focused web browser. Deleting your browsing history and other data in Firefox is straightforward. These steps empower you to take control of your browser privacy and digital footprint.

1. Open Firefox: Launch the Mozilla Firefox browser on your computer.
2. Access the Menu: In the top right corner of the Firefox window, you will find three horizontal lines. Click on this icon to open the main menu.
3. Go to History: From the menu, select “History.” A submenu will appear.
4. Clear Recent History: In the History submenu, click on “Clear Recent History.” You can also use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Shift + Del (on Windows) or Command + Shift + Del (on Mac).
5. Choose Time Range: A new window will open titled “Clear Recent History.” At the top, there is a dropdown menu labeled “Time range to clear.” Select your desired time period. Options include “Last hour,” “Last two hours,” “Last four hours,” “Today,” and “Everything.” For comprehensive clearing, choose “Everything.”
6. Select Data Types: Below the time range, you will see a section with checkboxes under “History” and “Data.”
   • Browsing & Download History: This includes the list of websites you visited and files you downloaded.
   • Cookies: Removes small files websites store to remember you. This might sign you out of sites.
   • Cache: Clears temporary files saved to speed up page loading.
   • Active Logins: If selected, you will be logged out of websites you are currently signed into.
   • Form & Search History: Clears data you have entered into forms and search bars.

   You have the flexibility to select only the items you wish to remove. For strong browser privacy and to clear cache effectively, focusing on Browsing & Download History, Cookies, and Cache is a good starting point.

7. Confirm Deletion: Once you have made your selections, click the “OK” button. Firefox will then delete the specified data. Depending on the amount of data, this might take a moment.

By following these steps, you have successfully cleared your browsing history and other data in Firefox. Making this a regular practice strengthens your online safety and keeps your browser running smoothly. It helps you maintain control over your personal information.

How to Delete Your Browsing History in Microsoft Edge

Microsoft Edge is the default browser for Windows computers and offers excellent tools for managing your online privacy. Clearing your browsing history in Edge is straightforward, empowering you to control your digital footprint. Follow these steps to clear browser history and other data.

1. Open Edge: Start by launching the Microsoft Edge browser on your computer.
2. Access Settings and More: In the top right corner of the Edge window, you will find three horizontal dots. Click on this icon to open the main menu, often labeled “Settings and more.”
3. Go to Settings: From the menu, click on “Settings.”
4. Navigate to Privacy, search, and services: In the left sidebar of the Settings page, click on “Privacy, search, and services.”
5. Choose Clear Browsing Data: Scroll down to the “Clear browsing data” section. You will see an option labeled “Choose what to clear.” Click on this.
6. Select Time Range: A new window will appear titled “Clear browsing data.” First, use the “Time range” dropdown menu to select how far back you want to clear data. Options include “Last hour,” “Last 24 hours,” “Last 7 days,” “Last 4 weeks,” and “All time.” For comprehensive browser privacy, selecting “All time” is often recommended.
7. Select Data Types: Below the time range, you will see various checkboxes for different types of data.
   • Browsing history: This removes the list of websites you have visited.
   • Download history: This clears the list of files you have downloaded.
   • Cookies and other site data: This deletes the small files websites store to remember you, which will sign you out of most sites.
   • Cached images and files: This clears temporary files that help pages load faster.
   • Passwords: This deletes saved usernames and passwords. Consider using a password manager instead of relying solely on your browser for this.
   • Autofill form data (includes forms and cards): This removes information you have typed into online forms.

   Select only the items you want to remove. To clear cache and enhance general browser privacy, ensure “Cookies and other site data” and “Cached images and files” are checked.

8. Confirm Deletion: Once your selections are made, click the “Clear now” button. Edge will then remove the selected browsing data. This process might take a few moments depending on the amount of data.

You have now successfully cleared your browsing history and other data in Microsoft Edge. Regularly performing these steps helps you maintain a clean, secure, and private online experience. It is a key part of your online safety toolkit.

How to Delete Your Browsing History in Apple Safari

Safari is the default web browser for Apple devices, including Mac computers, iPhones, and iPads. The process for clearing browsing history is very similar across these devices, designed to give you easy control over your browser privacy. Here are the steps for both Mac and iOS (iPhone/iPad).

On a Mac Computer:

1. Open Safari: Launch the Safari browser on your Mac.
2. Access the History Menu: In the top menu bar of your Mac screen, click on “History.”
3. Clear History: From the dropdown menu, select “Clear History…”
4. Choose Time Range: A small window will appear. Click the dropdown menu next to “Clear:” and select the time period you wish to clear. Options include “Last hour,” “Today,” “Today and yesterday,” and “All history.” For thorough browser privacy, “All history” is your best choice.
5. Confirm Deletion: Click the “Clear History” button. Safari will then remove your browsing history, cookies, and website data for the selected period. This action is comprehensive and helps clear cache elements as well.

On an iPhone or iPad:

1. Open Settings: On your iPhone or iPad home screen, tap the “Settings” app icon (it looks like gears).
2. Scroll to Safari: In the Settings menu, scroll down and tap on “Safari.”
3. Clear History and Website Data: Scroll down within the Safari settings and tap on “Clear History and Website Data.”
4. Confirm Deletion: A confirmation message will pop up. Tap “Clear History and Data” again to confirm. This action removes your browsing history, cookies, and other website data. It effectively clears cache as well. This action will also sign you out of any websites you were logged into.

Maintaining your online privacy is a continuous effort. By regularly clearing your history on your preferred browser, whether it is Safari, Chrome, Firefox, or Edge, you are actively protecting your personal information and ensuring a smoother, safer online experience.

For both Mac and iOS devices, regularly clearing your Safari history is a vital step in maintaining your browser privacy and protecting your personal information from prying eyes. It is an easy way to manage your digital footprint effectively.

Incognito Mode and Private Browsing: What They Do, and What They Do Not Do

Many web browsers offer a special mode often called “Incognito Mode” (in Chrome) or “Private Browsing” (in Firefox, Safari, and Edge). This feature creates a temporary browsing session that, at first glance, seems to offer complete anonymity. However, it is crucial to understand what these modes actually do, and more importantly, what they do not do, so you can use them effectively for your browser privacy.

What Incognito Mode / Private Browsing Does:

1. Does Not Save Browsing History: The primary function is that the browser will not save the websites you visit to your browsing history. When you close the private window, that session’s history disappears from your computer.
2. Does Not Save Cookies: Any cookies created during your private browsing session are deleted when you close the window. This means websites will treat you as a new visitor each time you open a new private window, which can be useful for avoiding personalized ads based on your current session.
3. Does Not Save Form Data or Permissions: Information you type into forms, or permissions you grant to websites (like access to your microphone), are not saved after the session ends.
4. Does Not Save Download History: Files you download will still appear in your downloads folder, but the browser itself will not keep a record of the download in its history list.

What Incognito Mode / Private Browsing Does Not Do:

1. Does Not Make You Anonymous to Websites: Websites you visit can still see your IP address, which broadly identifies your geographic location. Your internet service provider (ISP), your employer (if you are on a work network), or the websites themselves can still track your activity.
2. Does Not Hide Your Activity from Your Internet Service Provider (ISP): Your ISP can still see every website you visit, whether you are using regular or private browsing mode.
3. Does Not Protect You from Malware or Phishing: Private browsing offers no protection against malicious software, known as malware, or fake emails or messages, called phishing, designed to trick you. If you download a virus or fall for a scam in private mode, it is just as harmful as in regular mode.
4. Does Not Protect You if Someone Monitors Your Network: If you are on a public Wi-Fi network that someone is monitoring, or on a work computer where your activities are tracked, private browsing will not hide your activities from those observers.
5. Does Not Erase All Traces on Your Computer: While the browser does not save history, downloaded files or bookmarks you intentionally save will still be on your computer.

In short, Incognito Mode and Private Browsing are excellent for preventing your local computer from remembering your online activities. This is useful if you are using a shared computer, or if you are shopping for a gift and do not want someone else in your household to see your search history. However, these modes do not make you invisible on the internet. For true anonymity or enhanced security against advanced tracking, you would need more robust tools like a Virtual Private Network (VPN).

Use private browsing for its intended purpose: to avoid leaving a local trail on your device. Understand its limitations to make informed decisions about your online safety and browser privacy.

Automating Your Browser Privacy: Settings for Regular Clearing

Manually clearing your browsing history can become a routine chore, and it is easy to forget to do it regularly. Fortunately, many modern web browsers offer settings that allow you to automate some aspects of your browser privacy. You can set your browser to clear certain data automatically, providing consistent online safety without constant manual intervention. This is a smart way to maintain a clean digital footprint.

Google Chrome:

Chrome allows you to control how much data is stored and can be configured to clear cookies automatically when you close the browser.

1. Go to Chrome’s settings (three vertical dots > Settings).
2. In the left menu, click “Privacy and security.”
3. Select “Cookies and other site data.”
4. Scroll down to “General settings” and you will see “Clear cookies and site data when you close all windows.” Turn this toggle “on.” This ensures that when you close Chrome, all cookies and temporary site data from that session are removed, enhancing your browser privacy significantly. Note that this logs you out of sites each time.

Mozilla Firefox:

Firefox is particularly strong in its privacy features and allows you to clear history automatically upon closing the browser.

1. Open Firefox’s menu (three horizontal lines > Settings).
2. In the left menu, click “Privacy & Security.”
3. Scroll down to the “History” section.
4. Next to “Firefox will:”, select “Use custom settings for history” from the dropdown menu.
5. You will then see options like “Clear history when Firefox closes.” Check this box.
6. Click the “Settings…” button next to it to choose exactly what types of data (history, cookies, cache, etc.) you want to clear automatically.

Microsoft Edge:

Edge also provides similar options to automatically clear data when the browser closes.

1. Go to Edge’s settings (three horizontal dots > Settings).
2. In the left menu, click “Privacy, search, and services.”
3. Scroll down to the “Clear browsing data now” section and click on “Choose what to clear every time you close the browser.”
4. Toggle on the types of data you want to be automatically cleared, such as “Browsing history,” “Cookies and other site data,” and “Cached images and files.”

Apple Safari (Mac):

Safari on Mac has a more limited direct automatic clearing function for general history but offers strong cookie management.

1. Go to Safari > Settings (or Preferences).
2. Click on the “Privacy” tab.
3. You can check “Prevent cross-site tracking” to reduce third-party cookies.
4. While there is no direct “clear history on close” setting, you can regularly use the “Clear History” option described earlier. For cookies, Safari automatically blocks certain types of tracking cookies. You can also manually “Manage Website Data…” to selectively remove cookies.

Automating these privacy settings reduces the need for manual intervention and provides a consistent layer of online safety. It helps you maintain a healthy balance between convenience and rigorous browser privacy. Consider enabling these features, especially if you share your computer or are particularly concerned about your digital footprint.

What to Do If Something Feels Wrong Online

Despite your best efforts to maintain browser privacy and online safety, sometimes things can feel off, or you might encounter a suspicious situation. It is important to know that scammers are clever. Falling for a trick does not make you foolish. Their methods are sophisticated, and they prey on trust and urgency. The most important thing is knowing what to do next to protect yourself and your assets. You have resources available to help you.

Recognizing Red Flags for Scams:

• Urgency: Scammers always want you to act immediately, without thinking. They might say your account will be closed, or you will miss a limited-time offer.
• Unsolicited Contact: Unexpected calls, texts, or emails, especially from organizations claiming to be your bank, government agencies, or tech support, are major red flags. Your bank or the Social Security Administration will rarely, if ever, contact you out of the blue asking for personal information or urgent action.
• Demands for Payment in Unusual Ways: Scammers often ask for gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. Legitimate businesses or government agencies will never demand these payment methods.
• Too Good to Be True Offers: If an investment promises incredibly high returns with no risk, or you win a lottery you never entered, it is a scam.
• Requests for Personal Information: Be wary of any request for your Social Security number, bank account details, or passwords through email, text, or phone.
• Strange Links or Attachments: Never click on links or open attachments from unknown senders or in suspicious emails, known as phishing attempts. These can lead to bad software, called malware, or fake websites.

What To Do:

1. Pause and Verify: If a call, text, or email feels suspicious, do not respond immediately. Hang up, do not reply to the text or email. Find the official contact information for the organization (your bank, the Social Security Administration, etc.) from their official website or a statement you know is legitimate. Call them directly using that verified number. Do not use a number provided in the suspicious message.
2. Do Not Share Information: Never give out personal or financial information over the phone, via email, or in text messages unless you initiated the contact and are absolutely sure of the recipient’s legitimacy. This includes passwords, Social Security numbers, bank account details, and credit card numbers.
3. Report Suspicious Messages:
   • For suspicious emails (phishing): Forward them to the Anti-Phishing Working Group at reportphishing@apwg.org.
   • For suspicious text messages (smishing): Forward them to SPAM (7726).
4. Contact Your Bank or Credit Card Company: If you believe you have shared financial information or authorized a suspicious transaction, contact your bank or credit card company immediately. They can help you monitor accounts, freeze cards, and reverse fraudulent charges.
5. Monitor Your Accounts: Regularly check your bank and credit card statements for any unauthorized activity. Consider signing up for credit monitoring services.
6. Report to Authorities: It is crucial to report scams, even if you did not lose money. This helps authorities track scammers and protect others.
   • Federal Trade Commission (FTC): Report fraud and scams at consumer.ftc.gov or call 1-877-382-4357. The FTC collects these reports and uses them to investigate.
   • FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3): If you are a victim of an internet-related crime, particularly if you lost money, file a report with the FBI’s IC3.
   • Local Police: If you have lost money or think you are in immediate danger, also file a report with your local police department.
   • Social Security Administration (SSA): If a scam involves your Social Security number or claims to be from the SSA, report it to the SSA’s Office of the Inspector General.

Remember, you are not alone in facing these challenges. Organizations like the AARP Fraud Watch Network and the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) offer valuable resources and support. Empower yourself with knowledge, and always trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, it probably is.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about online safety and what to do in various situations. You are not the only one with these concerns, and having clear answers helps you navigate the internet confidently.

Q: What if I already clicked on a suspicious link or shared some information?
A: Do not panic. First, immediately change the password for the account you think might be compromised. If you entered financial information, contact your bank or credit card company right away to explain the situation. Run a full scan with reputable antivirus software on your computer. Report the incident to the FTC at consumer.ftc.gov. Remember, scammers are clever; acting quickly is your best defense.

Q: How do I know if a call is really from my bank or a government agency?
A: Legitimate organizations will never call, text, or email you out of the blue asking for personal information like your Social Security number, passwords, or bank details. If you receive such a call, hang up immediately. If you get a suspicious text or email, do not click on any links. Instead, find the official phone number for your bank, the Social Security Administration, or Medicare.gov from a reliable source like a statement or their official website, and call them directly to verify. Never use a phone number provided in the suspicious message.

Q: Will clearing my browsing history delete my saved bookmarks or favorites?
A: No, clearing your browsing history will not delete your saved bookmarks or favorites. Bookmarks are stored separately by your browser and remain untouched when you clear your history, cookies, or cache. You will not lose access to your favorite websites.

Q: How often should I clear my browsing history and other data?
A: The frequency depends on how often you use your computer and your level of privacy concern. For most users, clearing browsing history, cookies, and cache once a month is a good practice. If you use shared computers or frequently visit sensitive websites, you might consider clearing it more often, perhaps weekly. You can also use private browsing modes for specific sessions or set your browser to clear cookies automatically when you close it, as discussed earlier.

Q: What is a password manager, and should I use one?
A: A password manager is a secure application that stores all your usernames and passwords in an encrypted vault, protected by one strong master password. You only need to remember that one master password. Password managers generate strong, unique passwords for all your online accounts, fill them in automatically, and can even alert you if your passwords have been involved in a data breach. Using a reputable password manager significantly enhances your online security and simplifies managing many complex passwords. Many experts, including those at National Cyber Security Alliance, strongly recommend them for robust online safety.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about online safety and is not a substitute for professional advice. If you believe you’ve been a victim of fraud, contact your bank immediately and report the incident to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov or call 1-877-382-4357. If you’ve lost money, also file a report with your local police.