How do I report investment fraud?
Report to your national securities regulator: the SEC and CFTC in the US, the FCA in the UK, or ASIC in Australia. Also report to the FTC or Action Fraud and your bank.
Last reviewed: 10 June 2026
Explanation
Investment fraud has dedicated regulators because the financial stakes are often high and the schemes can involve complex products. In the US, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) accepts tips and complaints at sec.gov/tcr. If futures or options products were involved, also file with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) at cftc.gov/complaint. Whistleblowers who provide original information about securities fraud may qualify for a monetary award.
In the UK, report to the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) at fca.org.uk/consumers/report-scam. The FCA maintains a Warning List of firms operating without authorisation and a ScamSmart investment checking tool. Also report to Action Fraud, which handles the criminal side. The FCA and Action Fraud share information on investment fraud cases.
In Australia, report to the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) at asic.gov.au. ASIC can take civil and criminal action against unlicensed investment operators. Also report to Scamwatch and your state police.
Before reporting, gather everything: account statements, prospectuses or white papers, emails and chat logs, payment records, and any marketing materials. Investment fraud cases often succeed or fail on documentary evidence. If you were recruited by someone you know, consider that person may also be a victim of the scheme.
Common red flags
- Guaranteed or unusually high returns with no mention of risk
- Pressure to invest quickly before an opportunity closes
- The firm is not listed on the FCA register, SEC EDGAR, or ASIC connect
- Withdrawal requests were denied or led to demands for additional fees
- Returns were only visible in an online dashboard and never paid out
- The investment strategy was described as secret or proprietary
What to do now
- Report to the SEC at sec.gov/tcr or the FCA at fca.org.uk
- File with the FTC or Action Fraud for the criminal record
- Contact your bank to dispute any card or wire payments
- Preserve all account statements and communications
- Do not pay any additional 'release fees' or 'tax clearance' charges
- Read the investment fraud section at /scams/finance-scams
Frequently asked questions
Can the SEC or FCA return money I lost in an investment scam?
Enforcement actions sometimes lead to disgorgement of funds, some of which may be distributed to victims. However, this process is slow, uncertain, and rarely covers the full loss. Your bank and card issuer are faster routes for partial recovery.
What if the investment platform is registered overseas?
Report to your national regulator and note the overseas registration in your report. Regulators cooperate through IOSCO (the International Organization of Securities Commissions) to pursue cross-border fraud.