Where to report a scam: agency-by-agency guide

The agencies, one by one

There is no single “scam police.” Different agencies handle different kinds of fraud. Here is what each one does, so you know where your report will help most. When in doubt, start with the FTC.

Federal Trade Commission (FTC) — almost any scam

Report at: ReportFraud.ftc.gov · Phone: 1-877-382-4357

The FTC takes reports about almost any fraud, scam or bad business practice — impostors, fake prizes, online shopping problems, scam texts and emails. You can report even if you didn’t lose money, and you can report on behalf of someone else. Your report goes into the Consumer Sentinel database, available to more than 2,000 law enforcement partners. The FTC uses reports to investigate and bring cases, but it can’t resolve reports for individuals. Paste the text of scam messages into the Comments field — the FTC can’t accept forwarded emails or texts. More in how to contact the FTC.

FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) — online and computer fraud

Report at: IC3.gov

Report fraud that happened online or involved a computer or phone — tech-support, romance, investment and crypto scams, phishing that led to losses, and impostors who used the internet. Include phone numbers, websites, payment details and wallet addresses. Type www.ic3.gov into your browser yourself: the FBI warns that scammers create fake IC3 websites and social media accounts, and that IC3 never charges to recover money.

Social Security Office of the Inspector General — Social Security impostors

Report at: oig.ssa.gov/report

For calls, texts, emails, letters and social media messages from people pretending to be Social Security or its Inspector General. See Social Security scams.

Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) — IRS impostors

Report at: tigta.gov

The FTC says IRS impersonation scams should be reported to TIGTA. To check on a real tax issue, the FTC suggests viewing your account online at irs.gov or calling the IRS at 800-829-1040.

Medicare and the HHS Office of Inspector General — Medicare fraud

Report at: 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or oig.hhs.gov

For callers asking for your Medicare number, “free” equipment offers, and charges you don’t recognize on Medicare statements. See what to do when “Medicare” calls.

U.S. Postal Inspection Service — mail fraud and fake USPS texts

Report at: uspis.gov/report · Fake USPS texts: spam@uspis.gov · Cash sent by mail: 877-876-2455

Postal Inspectors handle fraud that uses the U.S. Mail and fake USPS texts and emails. If you mailed cash to a scammer, call right away — they may be able to intercept a package that hasn’t been delivered.

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) — illegal calls, texts and spoofing

Report at: consumercomplaints.fcc.gov

For unwanted robocalls, robotexts and caller ID spoofing — including when your number is being spoofed. The FCC says it doesn’t resolve individual complaints but uses them to guide policy and enforcement. For a simple unwanted call with no money lost, the FTC’s DoNotCall.gov form is quicker.

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) — when your bank won’t help

Report at: consumerfinance.gov/complaint

If you paid a scammer by bank transfer and your bank won’t help, the FTC says you can file a complaint with the CFPB. The CFPB handles issues with banks, credit card companies, debt collection and credit reports. If ReportFraud.ftc.gov sends you to the CFPB, the FTC says your report still ends up in its database.

SEC and CFTC — investment and crypto trading fraud

Report at: sec.gov/tcr (SEC) · cftc.gov/complaint (CFTC)

For fake brokers, “guaranteed return” schemes and fraudulent trading platforms. See trading scam red flags.

IdentityTheft.gov — if your personal information was misused

If someone used your Social Security number or opened accounts in your name, report it at IdentityTheft.gov and get a personalized recovery plan.

Your state attorney general and local police

State attorneys general handle consumer complaints and warn residents about local scams — find yours in the list below. If you lost money, the FBI and Social Security also recommend reporting to your local police department.

Which report first?

If you lost money, call the bank or company you paid with first — speed matters more than paperwork. Then report to the agencies above. If you didn’t lose money, a single report at ReportFraud.ftc.gov (and 7726 for scam texts) is a great start.