Gather your details first
A good report includes the facts an investigator needs. Collect what you can before you file, but don’t wait if you’re missing pieces.
- Save screenshots of messages, emails, and any links.
- Note phone numbers, email addresses, names, and websites used.
- Record dates, amounts, and how any payment was sent.
- Keep receipts or transaction records.
Report to the FTC
The Federal Trade Commission is the main place to report scams in the United States. Your report feeds a database that law enforcement uses to find patterns.
- Go to reportfraud.ftc.gov and follow the guided form.
- It is free and takes about ten minutes.
- You’ll get tailored next steps based on what happened.
Report online fraud to IC3
For scams involving the internet, such as phishing, online purchases, romance scams, or crypto fraud, also file with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center.
- Go to ic3.gov and submit a complaint.
- Include the same details and screenshots you gathered.
- This is especially important if you sent money online.
Report a scammer to the police and others
If you lost money or feel threatened, file a report locally and alert the institutions involved.
- Call your local police non-emergency line to file a report, which you may need for your bank or insurance.
- Contact your bank or card issuer right away to try to stop or reverse a payment.
- If your identity was used, report it at identitytheft.gov.
- Report scam texts by forwarding them to 7726 (SPAM), and report scam emails to your provider.