How do I report a scam effectively to maximise the chance of action?
File with the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov as your primary report, then report to the specific relevant agency (FBI IC3 for cyber fraud, CFPB for financial institutions, state AG for consumer fraud), and report on the platform where the scam occurred.
Last reviewed: 10 June 2026
Explanation
Reporting a scam matters beyond your individual case — reports create the data that helps regulators detect patterns, build cases, and protect future victims. Most people do not report, which means the agencies that investigate fraud are working with an incomplete picture. Even if you cannot recover your own money, your report may contribute to a larger case that leads to enforcement action.
The FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov is the primary US consumer fraud reporting portal. Reports are shared across federal and state law enforcement and feed the FTC's case-building database. For crimes involving the internet, email, or electronic funds transfer, also file with the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at ic3.gov. For financial institution complaints — including bank, credit card, or debt collector issues — the CFPB at consumerfinance.gov/complaint can compel responses from regulated entities.
Also report to the platform where the scam occurred. Marketplaces (Facebook Marketplace, eBay, Craigslist), app stores, social networks, and job boards have fraud reporting mechanisms that can remove fraudulent accounts and listings. This is one of the fastest ways to prevent the same scammer from victimising others using the same account.
For a report to be actionable, include: dates and times of all contacts, any phone numbers, email addresses, or usernames involved, screenshots or copies of messages and receipts, a description of what you were told and what you paid, and any bank reference numbers or transfer confirmation numbers. Keep your own copy of everything you report.
Common red flags
- You have already lost money or provided personal information to a scammer
- You received a fraudulent solicitation even if you did not respond
- You know others who may have been targeted by the same scammer
- A website, job listing, or profile appears fraudulent even if you were not directly victimised
What to do now
- File at ReportFraud.ftc.gov with as much detail as possible
- File at ic3.gov if the fraud involved the internet, email, or electronic transfers
- Report to your state attorney general at naag.org (find your state's office)
- Report the account, listing, or profile on the platform where the scam occurred
- For investment fraud, report to the SEC (sec.gov/tcr) or CFTC (cftc.gov/complaint)
- Keep copies of all evidence you submitted in case law enforcement contacts you for follow-up
Frequently asked questions
Will reporting a scam get my money back?
Not directly. The FTC and FBI investigate patterns and build cases; they cannot typically recover individual losses. However, the FTC has distributed refunds to consumers in some large enforcement actions. For direct recovery, contact your bank or card issuer on the same day as the fraud.
I feel embarrassed about being scammed. Do I still need to give all the details?
Yes, and you should know that being scammed is not a reflection of intelligence — these operations are professionally run. The more detail you provide, the more useful the report. Your report is filed confidentially, and the FTC does not publish individual reports.
Should I also report to local police?
Yes, especially for larger losses or identity theft. A police report creates an official record that may be required by your bank when filing a fraud claim, and local departments can coordinate with federal agencies. For losses involving wire fraud or organised crime, the FBI's local field office is also an option.