Step-by-step guide to reporting fraud to US federal agencies. Make your report count.
If you've been scammed or targeted by a scammer, reporting it helps law enforcement track criminals and warns others. Even if you didn't lose money, your report matters. Here's exactly where and how to report.
These are the most important places to file reports. Start with the FTC - they share data with 3,000+ law enforcement agencies.
The FTC is the primary consumer protection agency. They collect all types of scam reports and share them with law enforcement nationwide.
Report at ReportFraud.ftc.gov →For internet crimes, especially those involving significant financial loss or international criminals. The FBI investigates major cyber fraud.
File complaint at IC3.gov →State AGs handle consumer complaints and can take action against fraudsters operating in your state.
Find your State AG →Report scams to the Better Business Bureau to warn other consumers and track scam trends.
Report at BBB.org →Why report to multiple agencies? Different agencies handle different aspects of fraud. The FTC tracks consumer protection, the FBI handles criminal investigation, and state AGs can take local legal action. Filing with all three maximizes your impact.
Collect everything: emails, text messages, phone numbers, names used, photos they sent, payment receipts, bank statements, and any website URLs. Take screenshots before the scammer can delete anything.
Go to ReportFraud.ftc.gov and complete the online form. Be specific about dates, amounts, and how you were contacted. This takes about 10-15 minutes.
Visit IC3.gov and file a complaint. This is especially important if you lost over $10,000, if the scammer claimed to be overseas, or if cryptocurrency was involved.
If you sent money, contact your bank immediately. Credit card charges can often be disputed. Wire transfers may be reversible within 24-48 hours. Report the fraud to get transactions flagged.
Post the scammer's details on our forum. Include their name, email, phone number, and photos. Your report helps others searching for this scammer find the truth before they become victims.
If someone you met online asked for money, report to:
If you received a fake check or were asked to send money back:
If someone claimed to be from the IRS, Social Security, or another agency:
Official reports help law enforcement. Posting on ScamWarners helps victims. When someone searches for that scammer's email or phone number, they'll find your warning.
Post a Scam ReportFTC: Your report enters the Consumer Sentinel database, shared with 3,000+ law enforcement agencies. While the FTC doesn't investigate individual cases, patterns of complaints trigger enforcement actions and consumer alerts.
IC3: Complaints are analyzed and referred to appropriate law enforcement. Cases involving significant losses, multiple victims, or organized crime receive priority. IC3 data has led to arrests of international romance scam rings.
ScamWarners: Your report becomes searchable immediately. Future potential victims searching for that scammer's name, email, or phone number will find your warning - often before they send money.
Don't expect a personal response. Agencies receive millions of reports. Your report contributes to the bigger picture even if you never hear back. That's normal - and your report still matters.