OpenScam

Report a scam

How to report a scam and what to do next

Reporting helps agencies track scam patterns and shut down operations. Even if you did not lose money, your report protects others. Here is exactly what to do, step by step.

4 steps to take right now

  1. 1

    Secure your accounts immediately

    • •Call your bank and credit card company to freeze or lock any compromised accounts.
    • •Change passwords on email, banking, and social media accounts — starting with the most critical.
    • •Enable two-factor authentication on every account that supports it.
    • •If you shared your Social Security number (US) or equivalent, place a fraud alert with your credit bureau.
  2. 2

    Preserve all evidence before it disappears

    • •Screenshot every message, email, chat, and transaction with the scammer.
    • •Save sender email addresses, phone numbers, URLs, wallet addresses, and usernames.
    • •Download transaction records and bank statements showing any payments made.
    • •Note dates, times, and the sequence of events while they are fresh in your memory.
  3. 3

    Report to the right agency in your country

    • •Each country has dedicated fraud agencies — scroll down to find yours.
    • •In the US: start with ReportFraud.ftc.gov for consumer fraud and ic3.gov for internet crime.
    • •In the UK: report to Action Fraud at actionfraud.police.uk.
    • •In Canada: report to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at antifraudcentre.ca.
    • •File with multiple agencies if the scam crosses categories — your report may help different investigations.
  4. 4

    Monitor and protect yourself going forward

    • •Check your credit reports monthly for the next 12 months.
    • •Watch for recovery scams — people who claim they can get your money back for a fee.
    • •Report any follow-up contact from the scammer to the same agencies.
    • •Consider a credit freeze if identity data was compromised.

Official fraud reporting agencies by country

Click any link below to go directly to the official complaint form. These are government and law enforcement agencies — your report is confidential and free.

Common questions about reporting scams

Will I get my money back if I report?
It depends on the scam type and how quickly you act. Credit card chargebacks have the highest recovery rate. Wire transfers and crypto are harder to recover. Reporting increases the chance of asset recovery if law enforcement freezes the scammer's accounts.
Should I report if I did not lose money?
Yes. Even unsuccessful attempts are valuable data for fraud investigators. Your report helps agencies identify scam patterns, warn others, and build cases against scam operations.
Should I report to multiple agencies?
Yes. Different agencies handle different aspects of fraud. Report to your national consumer protection agency (FTC, Action Fraud, ACCC) and to specialized agencies if the scam involves investment, identity theft, or specific platforms.
What if someone contacts me about recovering my money?
Be extremely cautious. Recovery scams are one of the most common follow-up frauds. Legitimate agencies never charge upfront fees to recover money. If someone promises to get your money back for a fee, it is almost certainly a second scam.
How long does it take for agencies to respond?
Most agencies do not investigate individual cases. Instead, they use reports to identify large-scale operations and patterns. You may not receive a personal response, but your report contributes to data that drives enforcement actions.
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