Reporting a Scam
If you’ve been targeted by a scam in the U.S., it’s important to report it to the appropriate authorities to help prevent further victimization and to aid in the apprehension of the fraudsters. Here’s a comprehensive guide on where and how to report different types of scams. You don't need to be overwhelmed by number of these organizations. Only a few will be applicable for the type of incident that you want to report.
| Type of Scam/Fraud | Authority/Organization | Reporting Channels |
|---|---|---|
| Consumer fraud, identity theft, phishing, telemarketing fraud, and deceptive advertising | Federal Trade Commission (FTC) | Online: FTC Complaint Assistant Phone: 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357) |
| Cybercrime, online scams, phishing, hacking, ransomware, and serious frauds | Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) | Online: Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) |
| Scams involving mortgages, credit reporting, debt collection, and other financial products | Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) | Online: CFPB Complaint Form Phone: 1-855-411-CFPB (1-855-411-2372) |
| Mail fraud, deceptive mailers, and mail-related identity theft | U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) | Online: USPIS Mail Fraud Reporting- Phone: 1-877-876-2455 |
| Investment scams, stock fraud, Ponzi schemes, and securities-related fraud | Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) | Online: SEC Tips, Complaints, and Referrals |
| Local scams and consumer protection issues | State Attorney General’s Office | Online: Find your state’s Attorney General via NAAG Member Directory |
| Business-related scams, fraudulent businesses, and online purchase scams | Better Business Bureau (BBB) | Online: BBB Scam Tracker |
| Scams targeting seniors, including financial exploitation, Medicare fraud, and lottery scams | Elder Fraud Hotline (DOJ) | Phone: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311) |
| Unwanted telemarketing calls, robocalls, and phone scams | National Do Not Call Registry | Online: FTC Do Not Call Complaint- Phone: 1-888-382-1222 |
| Social Security fraud, identity theft involving SSN, and SSA-related scams | Social Security Administration (SSA) | Online: SSA Fraud Reporting Form- Phone: 1-800-269-0271 |
| Scams causing financial loss, identity theft, or local fraud | Local Police Department | Visit the station or call the non-emergency number |
| Medicare fraud, healthcare fraud, and medical identity theft | Medicare Fraud Reporting | Online: Medicare Fraud Reporting- Phone: 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) |
| Unauthorized transactions, phishing attempts, and financial account fraud | Financial Institutions | Contact your bank/credit card issuer using the phone number on the back of your card |
| Identity theft, unauthorized accounts, and credit report errors | Credit Reporting Agencies | Equifax: Equifax Fraud Alert- Experian: Experian Fraud Alert- TransUnion: TransUnion Fraud Alert |
| Scams targeting seniors, especially financial exploitation | Senior Centers or Organizations | Contact local senior centers or organizations like AARP |
Rajat Aggarwal
I'm based in Seattle and have spent over a decade in the software industry. Recently, I've discovered my true passion: teaching and maximizing the impact of the resources I have to create meaningful outcomes. When I’m not sharing knowledge, you’ll likely find me diving into random science books from the library, letting my curiosity whisk me away into fascinating new worlds. I’d love to connect—feel free to reach out on Facebook or LinkedIn! Let’s inspire and grow together.
