Why Reporting Online Scams Matters
When you fall victim to an online scam or witness internet fraud, reporting it isn't just about seeking personal justice — it helps law enforcement identify patterns, shut down criminal networks, and protect future victims. Many people skip this step because they feel embarrassed or believe nothing will come of it. In reality, agencies like the FBI and FTC rely on public reports to build cases and take action.
The Main Agencies to Report To
Depending on the type of scam, you may want to report to one or several of the following organizations:
| Agency | Best For | Website |
|---|---|---|
| FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) | Internet fraud, wire fraud, ransomware, business email compromise | ic3.gov |
| Federal Trade Commission (FTC) | Consumer fraud, identity theft, impersonation scams | reportfraud.ftc.gov |
| Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) | Critical infrastructure attacks, phishing campaigns | cisa.gov |
| Your State Attorney General | Local consumer fraud, state-level violations | Varies by state |
| AARP Fraud Watch Network | Scams targeting seniors | aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork |
Step-by-Step: Filing a Complaint with the IC3
- Go to ic3.gov and click "File a Complaint."
- Select your complainant type — whether you are the victim or filing on behalf of someone else.
- Provide your personal details including name, address, phone number, and email.
- Describe the incident — include dates, dollar amounts lost, how contact was made, and any usernames, email addresses, or phone numbers used by the perpetrator.
- Attach supporting evidence such as screenshots, email headers, receipts, or transaction records.
- Submit and save your complaint number for future reference.
Step-by-Step: Filing a Complaint with the FTC
- Visit reportfraud.ftc.gov.
- Choose the category that best describes your experience (e.g., "Online Shopping," "Impersonators," "Identity Theft").
- Follow the prompts to describe what happened and who was involved.
- The FTC will generate a personalized recovery plan based on your report type.
What Information to Collect Before You Report
The more detail you can provide, the more useful your report will be. Before filing, gather the following:
- Dates and times of all interactions with the scammer
- Copies of emails, text messages, or chat logs
- Any websites, phone numbers, or social media accounts used
- Bank statements showing fraudulent transactions
- Names or aliases used by the perpetrator
- Any receipts, invoices, or order confirmations
Should You Also Contact Your Bank?
Yes — if money was transferred or your financial accounts were accessed, contact your bank or credit card company immediately. Ask them to:
- Freeze or flag the affected account
- Initiate a chargeback or fraud dispute if applicable
- Issue new account numbers and cards
Acting quickly can make the difference between recovering funds and losing them permanently.
Don't Stay Silent
Even if you didn't lose money, reporting an attempted scam helps authorities track emerging threats. Every complaint adds to the picture investigators need to act.