How to Report a Scammer in the US (FTC, FBI, Bank, Carrier and Online)
Where to report a scammer in the United States: FTC, FBI IC3, your bank, phone carrier (7726), USPS, the platform, and a free public report so others are warned.
Reporting in the right order gives you the best chance of stopping the money and helps the next person. Here's the complete US checklist.
1. Your bank, card or payment app (first, within hours)
Call the number on the back of your card. Ask them to stop, recall or dispute the payment. Wire recalls work best within 24–72 hours; card disputes can be filed for months.
2. Federal Trade Commission
File at reportfraud.ftc.gov. The FTC shares reports with more than 2,800 law enforcement agencies.
3. FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center
For anything online — crypto, romance, investment, business email compromise — file at ic3.gov. Include wallet addresses, transaction IDs and usernames.
4. The right specialist agency
| Scam type | Where to report |
|---|---|
| Scam texts | Forward to 7726 (SPAM) |
| Robocalls | donotcall.gov |
| Mail and USPS texts | uspis.gov, spam@uspis.gov |
| Identity theft | identitytheft.gov |
| Investment fraud | sec.gov/tcr |
| Social Security impersonation | oig.ssa.gov |
| IRS impersonation | tigta.gov |
5. The platform
Report the profile, listing, ad or number to Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Telegram, the dating app or the marketplace.
6. Warn the public
Government reports aren't searchable by the public. A report on scamers.org is. Submit one in two minutes — no account, identity kept private, and moderated before publication.
Check whether the scammer is already reported
Related: what to do about a scam phone number, scam text checker, romance scammer list.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I report a scammer in the US?
Report to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov, and for internet-related crime to the FBI at ic3.gov. Also tell your bank or payment app, and the platform where you met the scammer.
How do I report a scam phone call or text?
Forward scam texts to 7726 (SPAM), report calls at reportfraud.ftc.gov and donotcall.gov, and report the number publicly on scamers.org.
Will reporting get my money back?
Reporting doesn't guarantee recovery, but calling your bank or payment provider fast is the best chance. Government reports help investigators link cases.
Is reporting on scamers.org free and anonymous?
Yes. You don't need an account and your identity is never shown publicly. Moderators review every report before it is published.