Should I report a scam to my bank or the police first?
Call your bank first if money is still in transit or your account is at risk — the bank can freeze funds while police reports take time. Then file the police report.
Last reviewed: 10 June 2026
Explanation
When you have just been scammed, the order of actions matters. Your bank or payment provider has the fastest ability to freeze funds, block cards, and initiate recalls — but only within a narrow window. A police report, while important for documentation and potential prosecution, does not stop money from moving. Prioritize the action that protects the most money in the shortest time.
If you sent money via wire, ACH, or Zelle in the last few hours, call your bank's fraud line first. Ask them to initiate a recall or hold the receiving account. Banks can sometimes act on a same-day basis; police investigations take days or weeks minimum. If your card was fraudulently charged, call to cancel the card and dispute the charge — again, bank first.
Once your immediate financial exposure is addressed, file a police report at your local police station or through their online reporting portal. A police report number is useful for: filing insurance claims, proving identity theft to creditors, and strengthening your case with the bank. Some bank fraud departments require a police report number before processing a reimbursement claim.
After the police report, file with the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, the FBI's IC3 if the loss is substantial or the scam is internet-based, and any relevant sector regulator (SEC for investment fraud, FCC for phone scams, etc.). Keeping copies of all your reports in one place will simplify follow-up.
Common red flags
- You just sent money and are unsure whether it has settled yet
- Your card or bank account shows charges you did not make
- Scammer has your account credentials and may still be active in your account
- You received instructions from the scammer on what to tell the bank
- The scammer warned you not to contact police or your bank
What to do now
- Call your bank's fraud line first if money is still in transit or in danger
- Ask for a wire recall, card cancellation, or account freeze as appropriate
- Then file a police report — you will need the report number
- File with the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov
- If internet-based or large loss, file with FBI's IC3 at ic3.gov
- Keep copies of all reports for future reference
- Visit /report-a-scam for a full list of reporting agencies
Frequently asked questions
Will the police actually investigate my scam case?
Local police often lack resources to investigate online scams, especially international ones. However, your report contributes to pattern data. For losses over a few thousand dollars, the FBI's IC3 and specialized state cybercrime units are more likely to act.
Do I need a police report to file a bank dispute?
Not always — many banks accept fraud disputes without one. However, having a police report number strengthens your case and is sometimes required for larger reimbursements or identity theft recovery.