If you’ve encountered or been a victim of online fraud (scams, phishing, identity theft, fake online sales, etc.) in the United States, there are official places you can report it so authorities can investigate and help protect others:
🛡️ Federal & Government Reporting (USA)
1. Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
Report scams, identity theft, phishing, fake websites, fraudulent ads, and other online fraud.
- Report at: IdentityTheft.gov (for identity theft)
- Report other scams: ReportFraud.ftc.gov
The FTC uses these reports to track scam trends and may share information with law enforcement.
2. Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)
A partnership between the FBI and the National White Collar Crime Center.
- Best for: Internet‐based crimes, including online fraud, malware schemes, auction fraud, ransomware, business email compromise, etc.
- File a complaint: ic3.gov
3. U.S. Postal Inspection Service
If the scam involved the U.S. mail (e.g., fake checks, mail fraud).
- You can file online complaints with them as well.
4. Local Police / Sheriff’s Office
Especially important if you lost money or provided sensitive personal information (SSN, bank account, etc.).
- Call your local non-emergency number or visit a local law enforcement office.
- They can help with reports and potentially start an investigation.
💻 Other Helpful Reporting Options
🧑💻 Social Media & Platforms
If you encountered fraud on:
- Facebook / Instagram
- TikTok
- eBay / Craigslist / Facebook Marketplace
- PayPal / Venmo / Cash App
- Amazon / Etsy
Use the platform’s reporting tools to report the specific fraudster, fake account, or scam listing.
💳 Your Bank or Credit Card Issuer
If you made a payment or shared financial information:
- Call immediately to dispute charges and protect your accounts.
📌 What To Include When Reporting
When you report online fraud, it helps to provide:
- Screenshots of messages or listings
- URLs of scam sites
- Dates/times
- How you were contacted
- Any money sent / transaction details
📍 Notes
- If you’re located outside the U.S., many countries have their own fraud reporting agencies (e.g., Action Fraud in the UK, Australian Cyber Security Centre in Australia). Tell me where you are and I can point you to the right one.
- Reporting helps law enforcement spot trends and shut down scammers.