Why Reporting Scams Matters
Many scam victims never report their experience — out of shame, because they assume nothing will be done, or simply because they don't know where to go. But reporting scams is critically important. It helps law enforcement identify and shut down fraud operations, alerts other consumers, and creates the official paper trail you may need for bank disputes or legal action.
You may not recover your money by reporting — but your report could prevent the next person from losing theirs.
The Primary Agencies to Report To
Federal Trade Commission (FTC) — reportfraud.ftc.gov
The FTC is the first stop for most consumer scams. This includes online shopping fraud, fake sweepstakes, imposter scams, tech support fraud, and more. Reports feed into a national database used by law enforcement agencies across the country. Filing a report is free, straightforward, and takes about 10 minutes.
Best for: Most consumer fraud, identity theft, unwanted calls
FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) — ic3.gov
The IC3 handles cybercrime and internet-based fraud. This includes email scams, ransomware, online investment fraud, business email compromise, and crimes that cross state or national borders. The IC3 is staffed by FBI and National White Collar Crime Center analysts who refer actionable complaints to law enforcement.
Best for: Cybercrime, online fraud, large financial losses
Your State Attorney General's Office
Every US state has an Attorney General's office with a consumer protection division. State AGs can take action against scammers operating within their state and may offer mediation services for disputes. Find your state AG at naag.org.
Best for: Scams by local businesses, state-specific consumer protection issues
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) — consumerfinance.gov/complaint
The CFPB handles complaints involving financial products and services: banks, lenders, debt collectors, credit reporting agencies, and money transfer services. If a bank or financial company is involved in your scam (or is failing to help you after a fraud), file here.
Best for: Bank fraud, predatory lending, debt collection scams
Reporting by Scam Type
| Scam Type | Where to Report |
|---|---|
| Online shopping fraud | FTC, BBB Scam Tracker |
| Investment / crypto fraud | IC3, SEC (sec.gov/tcr), CFTC (cftc.gov) |
| Social media scam | FTC, platform's report tool |
| Phone / robocall scam | FTC, FCC (fcc.gov/consumers/guides) |
| Identity theft | IdentityTheft.gov (FTC), local police |
| Medicare / healthcare fraud | HHS OIG (oig.hhs.gov) |
| Email phishing | reportphishing@apwg.org, IC3 |
| Mail fraud | US Postal Inspection Service (postalinspectors.uspis.gov) |
What to Have Ready When You Report
- Dates and amounts of any transactions
- Names, phone numbers, email addresses, or websites used by the scammer
- Screenshots of conversations and any documents received
- How you were contacted (phone, email, social media, in person)
- How you paid (method, platform, amount)
Also Report to the Platform Where It Happened
If you were scammed on a specific platform, report the account or listing there too:
- Facebook / Instagram: Use the "Report" option on the profile or post
- eBay / Amazon / Etsy: Use the platform's buyer protection and fraud reporting system
- Dating apps: Block and report the profile immediately
- Google: Report fake business listings at business.google.com/report
Local Police Report
Even if local police cannot investigate online fraud directly, getting a police report number is valuable. Banks, insurance companies, and federal agencies often request it. Contact your local precinct or file online if your department offers that option.