Report a scam in United States

Use the official channels below. If you are in immediate danger, contact local emergency services first.

Emergency number: 911 - for immediate danger only.

Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
Verified official source

Report scams and fraud to the FTC.

Source type: government · Verified 2026-06-03 · Last checked 2026-06-03
https://reportfraud.ftc.gov
FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)
Verified official source

Report internet crime and online fraud to the FBI.

Source type: government · Verified 2026-06-03 · Last checked 2026-06-03
https://www.ic3.gov
USA.gov Scams and Fraud
Verified official source

Government guidance on scams and consumer protection.

Source type: government · Verified 2026-06-03 · Last checked 2026-06-03
https://www.usa.gov/scams-and-fraud
IdentityTheft.gov
Verified official source

Recover from identity theft with a personalised plan.

Source type: government · Verified 2026-06-03 · Last checked 2026-06-03
https://www.identitytheft.gov

Report scam texts: Forward spam texts to 7726 (SPAM).

Report phishing email: Forward phishing emails to reportphishing@apwg.org and to the impersonated company.

If money is involved: Call the number on the back of your card; ask to freeze the card and dispute charges.

Police advice: Call 911 for immediate danger; otherwise report online to IC3 and the FTC.

Evidence to save:

Save screenshots, sender numbers or emails, transaction references, and any links - without reopening them.

What not to do:

Do not pay 'recovery' fees, do not share more codes or details, and do not act on follow-up 'fraud team' messages.

Beware of recovery scams: no official body charges an upfront private fee to recover lost money.

How to report in United States

Online scams & fraud: use the fraud or consumer-protection authority above. Describe what happened and include your evidence (screenshots, dates, amounts, references).

Cybercrime (hacking, account takeover): file with the national cybercrime portal or police cyber unit listed above.

Scam texts & calls: Forward spam texts to 7726 (SPAM).

Bank & payment scams: Call the number on the back of your card; ask to freeze the card and dispute charges.

If you sent money: contact your bank or payment provider right away, save all evidence, and report to the authority above. The faster you act, the better the chance of recovery.

If you shared ID or KYC documents: watch for identity theft, consider a credit freeze or fraud alert where available, and follow the shared-ID recovery guide.

Stay safe while reporting

Do not use phone numbers or links from the suspicious message.
Search for official authorities independently and type the address yourself.
Report quickly if money was sent or ID documents were shared.

Common scams in United States

IRS/SSA and government-imposter scams
Bank and delivery (USPS) smishing
Tech-support and refund scams
Crypto investment and romance scams

Not sure if a message is a scam?

Check it first to see the red flags and what to do.

Check a message

Helpful next steps

Learn the red flags

Common scam types

Check & learn

Frequently asked questions

How do I report a scam in United States?

Use the official authorities listed on this page. If money is involved, contact your bank first, then file a report with the fraud or cybercrime authority.

Can I get my money back?

Sometimes, if you act quickly through your bank. Be cautious of anyone promising guaranteed recovery for an upfront fee - that is a recovery scam.

Last reviewed: 2026-06-03. Always confirm links on the official site.

Found an outdated official link? Tell us so we can review it.