Need to Report a Scam? Here’s Where to Get Help.

Most people are unaware that there are various places where they can and should report a scam. Authorities have no way of either helping them or tracking down the criminals if they don’t. If you’ve been victimized, find the type of scam it was below and click the links to the resources waiting to help you. If you want to know why you should report a scam, read this article on our website: Report All Scams: Here’s Why You Need to Do It . Those agencies to whom you report a scam will want to know specific details, so get your notes and thoughts together in advance. Our Scam Report Preparation Guide helps you prepare a thorough report of a scam, making the process simpler, quicker, and more efficient. Many people are too embarrassed to admit they fell for a scam, but they need to overcome that shame if they want help. A family member or friend will likely care enough to offer and encourage getting help. Fraudsters and con artists are continually seeking out lonely people online. Through flattery and deceit, they build trust and a relationship, then, when the time is right, they proceed to take as much money as they can from their victims. When you report these scams, you may help others avoid the emotional and financial pain. Here’s how they can assist you. Your Bank, Credit Card, or Payment Provider The sooner you contact your bank or credit card/payment provider, the better, to help limit losses. Your financial institution, or a payment provider (such as PayPal), should work with you to resolve the issue. Beware of anyone who calls you directly, saying there is potential fraud with your card. Instead, use the phone number provided on the back of your bank or credit card to report a problem. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) The FTC collects information about scams, fraud, and financial exploitation and uses it to track trends and potentially pursue legal action against scammers. You can file a report at ReportFraud.ftc.gov . FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) . The IC3 is the FBI’s central point for reporting internet-related crimes, including online scams. They use the information to investigate and potentially prosecute cybercrimes. You can file a complaint on the FBI’s IC3 website. Your State Attorney General’s Office File a complaint with the AG, which may offer help to resolve disputes between consumers and businesses. Filing a complaint could also help in future investigations or legal action against the business. You’ll find the AG for your State among the 50 listed at the National Association for Attorneys General website . Read this article on our website: Report a Scam to Your State Attorney General The Social Media platform/app Often, scams and fraud originate on social media sites, where criminals target unsuspecting victims.  If you’ve been scammed, please notify the platform. This helps them take action against the scammer and prevent others from being victimized. For example, use any search engine (like Google) and type, “How to report a scam on LinkedIn.” Local Law Enforcement If you did lose money to a scam or fraud, report it to local law enforcement. Oftentimes, you’ll need a police report if you contact other agencies. They will take and file a report, share information with other agencies, and may assist with identifying and apprehending a scammer. Use any search engine (like Google) and type, “Nearest police office near me.” AARP Fraud Watch Network AARP’s Fraud Watch Network TM Helpline is a free resource for AARP members and nonmembers alike. Trained fraud specialists and volunteers field thousands of calls each month. Get guidance you can trust, free of judgment, on the AARP Fraud Watch Network. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) The BBB does not have the legal authority to resolve disputes, but it encourages reporting scams and complaints, sharing this information with law enforcement and other agencies that may assist in investigations and prosecutions down the line. They also publish reports on their Scam Tracker website, which alerts the public to scams. Go to bbb.org/scamtracker to report scams and help warn others. It is a free resource. More than 2.5 billion people shop online annually. Scammers are aware of the amount of money consumers spend, so they aim to capture a portion of it. If you’ve been defrauded or scammed while shopping online, there are places where you can report it.  Here’s who you can assist. Your Bank, Credit Card, or Payment Provider The sooner you contact your bank or credit card/payment provider, the better, to help limit losses. Your financial institution, or a payment provider (such as PayPal), should work with you to resolve the issue. Beware of anyone who calls you directly, saying there is potential fraud with your card. Instead, use the phone number provided on the back of your bank or credit card to report a problem. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) The FTC collects information about scams, fraud, and financial exploitation and uses it to track trends and potentially pursue legal action against scammers. You can file a report at ReportFraud.ftc.gov . FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) . The IC3 is the FBI’s central point for reporting internet-related crimes, including online scams. They use the information to investigate and potentially prosecute cybercrimes. You can file a complaint on the FBI’s IC3 website. Your State Attorney General’s Office File a complaint with the AG, which may offer help to resolve disputes between consumers and businesses. Filing a complaint could also help in future investigations or legal action against the business. You’ll find the AG for your State among the 50 listed at the National Association for Attorneys General website . Read this article on our website: Report a Scam to Your State Attorney General The Social Media platform/app Often, scams and fraud originate on social media sites, where criminals target unsuspecting victims.  If you’ve been scammed, please notify the platform. This helps them take action against the scammer and prevent others from being victimized. For example, use any search engine (like Google) and type, “How to report a scam to Amazon.” Local Law Enforcement If you did lose money to a scam or fraud, report it to local law enforcement. Oftentimes, you’ll need a police report if you contact other agencies. They will take and file a report, share information with other agencies, and may assist with identifying and apprehending a scammer. Use any search engine (like Google) and type, “Nearest police office near me.” AARP Fraud Watch Network AARP’s Fraud Watch Network TM Helpline is a free resource for AARP members and nonmembers alike. Trained fraud specialists and volunteers field thousands of calls each month. Get guidance you can trust, free of judgment, on the AARP Fraud Watch Network. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) The BBB does not have the legal authority to resolve disputes, but it encourages reporting scams and complaints, sharing this information with law enforcement and other agencies that may assist in investigations and prosecutions down the line. They also publish reports on their Scam Tracker website, which alerts the public to scams. Go to bbb.org/scamtracker to report scams and help warn others. It is a free resource. The most significant losses to cyber criminals come from investment fraud. Losses in the hundreds of thousands of dollars are common and frequent. Fortunately, several organizations offer support to victims. Most victims think they’re getting rich, while they’re losing all their fake investments. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) If a scam involves investments in the stock market or illegal and fraudulent actions by a professional, the SEC wants to know about it. They have an online TCR system (tips, complaints, referrals) for whistleblowers and non-whistleblowers. You submit complaints directly to the SEC at sec.gov/submit-tip-or-complaint. The Cryptocurrency Exchange If you used a cryptocurrency exchange, such as Binance, to send funds you lost, report it to that exchange. FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) . The IC3 is the FBI’s central point for reporting internet-related crimes, including online scams. They use the information to investigate and potentially prosecute cybercrimes. You can file a complaint on the FBI’s IC3 website. To learn how the FBI can help you with cryptocurrency investment fraud, visit FBI.gov/how-we-can-help. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) The FTC collects information about scams, fraud, and financial exploitation and uses it to track trends and potentially pursue legal action against scammers. You can file a report at ReportFraud.ftc.gov . Your State Attorney General’s Office File a complaint with the AG, which may offer help to resolve disputes between consumers and businesses. Filing a complaint could also help in future investigations or legal action against the business. You’ll find the AG for your State among the 50 listed at the National Association for Attorneys General website . Read this article on our website: Report a Scam to Your State Attorney General The Social Media platform/app Often, scams and fraud originate on social media sites, where criminals target unsuspecting victims.  If you’ve been scammed, please notify the platform. This helps them take action against the scammer and prevent others from being victimized. For example, use any search engine (like Google) and type, “How to report a scam on LinkedIn.” Local Law Enforcement If you did lose money to a scam or fraud, report it to local law enforcement. Oftentimes, you’ll need a police report if you contact other agencies. They will take and file a report, share information with other agencies, and may assist with identifying and apprehending a scammer. Use any search engine (like Google) and type, “Nearest police office near me.” AARP Fraud Watch Network AARP’s Fraud Watch Network TM Helpline is a free resource for AARP members and nonmembers alike. Trained fraud specialists and volunteers field thousands of calls each month. Get guidance you can trust, free of judgment, on the AARP Fraud Watch Network. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) The BBB does not have the legal authority to resolve disputes, but it encourages reporting scams and complaints, sharing this information with law enforcement and other agencies that may assist in investigations and prosecutions down the line. They also publish reports on their Scam Tracker website, which alerts the public to scams. Go to bbb.org/scamtracker to report scams and help warn others. It is a free resource. Your Bank, Credit Card, or Payment Provider The sooner you contact your bank or credit card/payment provider, the better, to help limit losses. Your financial institution, or a payment provider (such as PayPal), should work with you to resolve the issue. Beware of anyone who calls you directly, saying there is potential fraud with your card. Instead, use the phone number provided on the back of your bank or credit card to report a problem. Although nearly everyone uses a computer, very few people understand the technology behind it. So, when it looks like their PC has a virus or malware, they panic. That’s when a scammer, who often causes the problem, is ready to help and steal money or information from their victims. Report these scams to the following groups: Your Bank, Credit Card, or Payment Provider The sooner you contact your bank or credit card/payment provider, the better, to help limit losses. Your financial institution, or a payment provider (such as PayPal), should work with you to resolve the issue. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) The FTC collects information about scams, fraud, and financial exploitation and uses it to track trends and potentially pursue legal action against scammers. You can file a report at ReportFraud.ftc.gov . FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) . The IC3 is the FBI’s central point for reporting internet-related crimes, including online scams. They use the information to investigate and potentially prosecute cybercrimes. You can file a complaint on the FBI’s IC3 website. Your State Attorney General’s Office File a complaint with the AG, which may offer help to resolve disputes between consumers and businesses. Filing a complaint could also help in future investigations or legal action against the business. You’ll find the AG for your State among the 50 listed at the National Association for Attorneys General website . Read this article on our website: Report a Scam to Your State Attorney General Local Law Enforcement If you did lose money to a scam or fraud, report it to local law enforcement. Oftentimes, you’ll need a police report if you contact other agencies. They will take and file a report, share information with other agencies, and may assist with identifying and apprehending a scammer. Use any search engine (like Google) and type, “Nearest police office near me.” AARP Fraud Watch Network AARP’s Fraud Watch Network TM Helpline is a free resource for AARP members and nonmembers alike. Trained fraud specialists and volunteers field thousands of calls each month. Get guidance you can trust, free of judgment, on the AARP Fraud Watch Network. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) The BBB does not have the legal authority to resolve disputes, but it encourages reporting scams and complaints, sharing this information with law enforcement and other agencies that may assist in investigations and prosecutions down the line. They also publish reports on their Scam Tracker website, which alerts the public to scams. Go to bbb.org/scamtracker to report scams and help warn others. It is a free resource. The Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC) If you provided a scammer with Personally Identifiable Information (such as your address or Social Security number), they might attempt to steal your identity. Contact the ITRC. They are a non-profit organization established to help and guide consumers and identity theft victims. Reach out to www.idtheftcenter.org to get started. Nearly all job hunting takes place online. Alongside legitimate job listings are fake ones that promise big salaries with minimal experience and an easy application process. That’s because there’s no real job; there’s something not quite right going on. Tell these organizations about your experience: Federal Trade Commission (FTC) The FTC collects information about scams, fraud, and financial exploitation and uses it to track trends and potentially pursue legal action against scammers. You can file a report at ReportFraud.ftc.gov . FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) . The IC3 is the FBI’s central point for reporting internet-related crimes, including online scams. They use the information to investigate and potentially prosecute cybercrimes. You can file a complaint on the FBI’s IC3 website. Your State Attorney General’s Office File a complaint with the AG, which may offer help to resolve disputes between consumers and businesses. Filing a complaint could also help in future investigations or legal action against the business. You’ll find the AG for your State among the 50 listed at the National Association for Attorneys General website . Read this article on our website: Report a Scam to Your State Attorney General The Social Media platform/app Often, scams and fraud originate on social media sites, where criminals target unsuspecting victims.  If you’ve been scammed, please notify the platform. This helps them take action against the scammer and prevent others from being victimized. For example, use any search engine (like Google) and type, “How to report a scam on LinkedIn.” Local Law Enforcement If you did lose money to a scam or fraud, report it to local law enforcement. Oftentimes, you’ll need a police report if you contact other agencies. They will take and file a report, share information with other agencies, and may assist with identifying and apprehending a scammer. Use any search engine (like Google) and type, “Nearest police office near me.” The Better Business Bureau (BBB) The BBB does not have the legal authority to resolve disputes, but it encourages reporting scams and complaints, sharing this information with law enforcement and other agencies that may assist in investigations and prosecutions down the line. They also publish reports on their Scam Tracker website, which alerts the public to scams. Go to bbb.org/scamtracker to report scams and help warn others. It is a free resource. The Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC) If you provided a scammer with Personally Identifiable Information (such as your address or Social Security number), they might attempt to steal your identity. Contact the ITRC. They are a non-profit organization established to help and guide consumers and identity theft victims. Reach out to www.idtheftcenter.org to get started. If you don’t know already, the IRS never contacts citizens randomly to discuss sensitive information, nor do they ask for personal or financial information by email, text messages, or social media channels. And if a so-called IRS representative threatens you with swift legal action, know that it is an impostor. Report such occurrences to the proper authorities. Your Bank, Credit Card, or Payment Provider The sooner you contact your bank or credit card/payment provider, the better, to help limit losses. Your financial institution, or a payment provider (such as PayPal), should work with you to resolve the issue. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) There is a phone number and a website specifically for reporting a scam involving someone impersonating an IRS official. Contact the TIGTA and use their IRS Impersonation Scam Reporting form to report fraud and abuse. You can also call 1-800-366-4484. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) The IRS has a dedicated page where you can report phishing and online scams involving IRS impersonators. Go to irs.gov/privacy-disclosure/report-phishing. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) The FTC collects information about scams, fraud, and financial exploitation and uses it to track trends and potentially pursue legal action against scammers. You can file a report at ReportFraud.ftc.gov . FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) . The IC3 is the FBI’s central point for reporting internet-related crimes, including online scams. They use the information to investigate and potentially prosecute cybercrimes. You can file a complaint on the FBI’s IC3 website. Your State Attorney General’s Office File a complaint with the AG, which may offer help to resolve disputes between consumers and businesses. Filing a complaint could also help in future investigations or legal action against the business. You’ll find the AG for your State among the 50 listed at the National Association for Attorneys General website . Read this article on our website: Report a Scam to Your State Attorney General Local Law Enforcement If you did lose money to a scam or fraud, report it to local law enforcement. Oftentimes, you’ll need a police report if you contact other agencies. They will take and file a report, share information with other agencies, and may assist with identifying and apprehending a scammer. Use any search engine (like Google) and type, “Nearest police office near me.” AARP Fraud Watch Network AARP’s Fraud Watch Network TM Helpline is a free resource for AARP members and nonmembers alike. Trained fraud specialists and volunteers field thousands of calls each month. Get guidance you can trust, free of judgment, on the AARP Fraud Watch Network. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) The BBB does not have the legal authority to resolve disputes, but it encourages reporting scams and complaints, sharing this information with law enforcement and other agencies that may assist in investigations and prosecutions down the line. They also publish reports on their Scam Tracker website, which alerts the public to scams. Go to bbb.org/scamtracker to report scams and help warn others. It is a free resource. Your Bank, Credit Card, or Payment Provider The sooner you contact your bank or credit card/payment provider, the better, to help limit losses. Your financial institution, or a payment provider (such as PayPal), should work with you to resolve the issue. People with caring hearts want to help those who are suffering, in need of support, or going through a tough time, such as individuals or communities affected by a natural disaster. Of course, scammers are always looking to trick good people into giving away their charitable donations. Here’s where to report the fraudsters. Your Bank, Credit Card, or Payment Provider The sooner you contact your bank or credit card/payment provider, the better, to help limit losses. Your financial institution, or a payment provider (such as PayPal), should work with you to resolve the issue. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) The FTC collects information about scams, fraud, and financial exploitation and uses it to track trends and potentially pursue legal action against scammers. You can file a report at ReportFraud.ftc.gov . FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) . The IC3 is the FBI’s central point for reporting internet-related crimes, including online scams. They use the information to investigate and potentially prosecute cybercrimes. You can file a complaint on the FBI’s IC3 website. Your State Attorney General’s Office File a complaint with the AG, which may offer help to resolve disputes between consumers and businesses. Filing a complaint could also help in future investigations or legal action against the business. You’ll find the AG for your State among the 50 listed at the National Association for Attorneys General website . Read this article on our website: Report a Scam to Your State Attorney General The Social Media platform/app Often, scams and fraud originate on social media sites, where criminals target unsuspecting victims.  If you’ve been scammed, please notify the platform. This helps them take action against the scammer and prevent others from being victimized. For example, use any search engine (like Google) and type, “How to report a scam on LinkedIn.” Local Law Enforcement If you did lose money to a scam or fraud, report it to local law enforcement. Oftentimes, you’ll need a police report if you contact other agencies. They will take and file a report, share information with other agencies, and may assist with identifying and apprehending a scammer. Use any search engine (like Google) and type, “Nearest police office near me.” AARP Fraud Watch Network AARP’s Fraud Watch Network TM Helpline is a free resource for AARP members and nonmembers alike. Trained fraud specialists and volunteers field thousands of calls each month. Get guidance you can trust, free of judgment, on the AARP Fraud Watch Network. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) The BBB does not have the legal authority to resolve disputes, but it encourages reporting scams and complaints, sharing this information with law enforcement and other agencies that may assist in investigations and prosecutions down the line. They also publish reports on their Scam Tracker website, which alerts the public to scams. Go to bbb.org/scamtracker to report scams and help warn others. It is a free resource. There’s more information about scams and resources for help. To learn more about avoiding scams and protecting your finances, visit the Learning Center at WhatIsMyIPAddress.com and type “scams” into the search box. You’ll see a long list of articles and interviews to boost your awareness.