Scam Reporting & Recovery Resources
Navigating the aftermath of being scammed can be overwhelming. This directory connects you with the agencies, organizations, and tools that can help — whether you need to report fraud, recover your identity, or protect yourself going forward.
Federal Agencies
These are the primary US government agencies that handle fraud reports, investigate scams, and provide consumer protection.
Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
Consumer Protection • Fraud InvestigationThe FTC is the primary US agency for consumer protection. It investigates fraud including online scams, identity theft, deceptive business practices, and unfair commercial conduct. Filing a report here creates an official record and feeds into law enforcement databases nationwide.
FBI — Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)
Cybercrime • Online Fraud • Digital ForensicsThe IC3 is the FBI's dedicated cybercrime division. Report here for online scams, phishing, ransomware, business email compromise (BEC), cryptocurrency fraud, romance scams, and other internet-enabled crimes. IC3 received over 880,000 complaints in 2023 with losses exceeding $12.5 billion.
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)
Financial Fraud • Banking Disputes • Debt CollectionThe CFPB protects consumers in the financial sector. Report issues with banks, credit cards, mortgages, student loans, debt collectors, credit reporting, and money transfers. They can compel financial institutions to respond to complaints.
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
Tax Fraud • IRS Impersonation • Tax Identity TheftReport tax-related scams including IRS impersonation calls/emails, fraudulent tax returns filed in your name, fake tax preparers, and phishing attempts using IRS branding. Tax identity theft affects hundreds of thousands of Americans annually.
U.S. Postal Inspection Service
Mail Fraud • Package Scams • Postal CrimesInvestigates fraud conducted through the US mail system, including sweepstakes scams, lottery fraud, mail-order schemes, stolen mail, package theft, and fraudulent change-of-address requests.
Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
Robocalls • Phone Scams • Text SpamReport unwanted calls, spoofed caller ID, illegal robocalls, text spam, and phone-based scams. The FCC enforces telecommunications regulations and can take action against violators.
Food & Drug Administration (FDA)
Health Fraud • Fake Medicine • Counterfeit ProductsReport fraudulent health products, fake medications, counterfeit supplements, unauthorized COVID treatments, and deceptive health claims.
State Attorneys General
State-Level Consumer Protection • Local ScamsEvery state has an Attorney General office with a consumer protection division. They handle complaints about local businesses, investigate state-level fraud, and enforce consumer protection laws. Often the most effective option for local scams.
Consumer Protection & Advocacy
Better Business Bureau (BBB)
Business Complaints • Scam Tracking • Company ReviewsThe BBB provides a platform for reporting scams, checking business legitimacy, and tracking fraud trends. Their Scam Tracker is one of the largest scam databases in North America, with over 500,000 reported scams.
Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC)
Identity Theft Recovery • Free Support • Case ManagementThe ITRC provides free, expert assistance to identity theft victims including one-on-one case management, recovery planning, emotional support, and educational resources. They've helped over 1 million victims since 1999.
AARP Fraud Watch Network
Elder Fraud • Scam Alerts • Victim SupportFree for everyone (not just AARP members). Provides scam tracking, fraud alerts, a victim helpline with trained volunteers, and extensive educational resources. Particularly strong for elder fraud protection.
National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA)
Cybersecurity Education • Online Safety • Small BusinessProvides cybersecurity education and resources for individuals and small businesses. Runs national campaigns like Cybersecurity Awareness Month and offers practical guides for staying safe online.
Credit Bureaus & Financial Protection
Contact these bureaus to place fraud alerts, freeze your credit, dispute fraudulent accounts, and monitor your credit reports.
Equifax
Experian
TransUnion
Additional Bureaus & Specialty Reports
International Resources
Scams cross borders. These organizations handle fraud reporting and investigation in their respective jurisdictions.
Action Fraud (UK)
UK National Fraud ReportingThe UK's national reporting center for fraud and cybercrime, operated by the City of London Police.
Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre
Canada Fraud ReportingCanada's central agency for collecting information and criminal intelligence on fraud, including mass marketing, advance-fee, and romance scams.
Scamwatch (Australia)
ACCC • Australian Consumer ProtectionRun by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC). Provides alerts, education, and a reporting portal for all scam types.
Europol
EU Law Enforcement • CybercrimeEU-wide law enforcement agency combating international crime including financial fraud, cybercrime, and organized criminal networks.
INTERPOL
International Law EnforcementFacilitates international police cooperation across 195 member countries. Coordinates cross-border fraud investigations and publishes global scam alerts.
eConsumer.gov
Cross-Border Scam ReportingA joint project of consumer protection agencies from 40+ countries. Report scams involving companies or individuals in other countries — reports are shared with law enforcement worldwide.
New Zealand — CERT NZ & Netsafe
NZ Cyber Security • Online SafetyIreland — FraudSMART
Banking & Payments Federation IrelandIndia — Cyber Crime Portal
Ministry of Home AffairsSingapore — ScamShield
Singapore Police ForceOur Free Tools & Guides
Assessment tools, guides, and resources built by ScamWatchHQ to help you protect yourself and recover from scams.
What to Do After Being Scammed
If you've been scammed, follow these steps immediately. The faster you act, the better your chances of recovery.
Stop All Contact with the Scammer
Cease communication immediately. Block their number, email, and social media profiles. Do not send additional money or information, even if they threaten you.
Protect Your Accounts
Change passwords on all accounts (start with email and banking). Enable two-factor authentication. Place a fraud alert or credit freeze with all three credit bureaus. Monitor for unauthorized activity.
Contact Your Financial Institution
Call your bank or credit card company's fraud department immediately. Report unauthorized transactions. Request chargebacks for fraudulent charges. Ask about additional fraud protections they offer.
Document Everything
Save all communications (screenshots, emails, texts, call logs). Write down dates, times, amounts, and details. Keep records of all reports filed. This documentation is critical for investigations and potential recovery.
Seek Legal Advice
For significant losses, consult a consumer protection attorney. Many offer free initial consultations. Your state bar association can provide referrals. Legal aid organizations help those who can't afford an attorney.
Get Support
Scam victimization is emotionally devastating. The ITRC (888-400-5530) and AARP Fraud Watch (877-908-3360) provide free emotional support and recovery guidance. You are not alone, and it's not your fault.
Educational Resources
For Families
- Common Sense Media — Age-appropriate digital safety
- NetSmartz — Internet safety for children
- ConnectSafely — Social media safety guides
For Seniors
- AARP Fraud Watch — Scam alerts & helpline
- National Center on Elder Abuse
- Senior Medicare Patrol — Medicare fraud
- Eldercare Locator: 800-677-1116
Cybersecurity Education
- StaySafeOnline — NCSA resources
- CISA — Government cybersecurity education
- Have I Been Pwned — Check breach exposure
For Military
- Military OneSource — 800-342-9647
- DOD Fraud Hotline: 800-424-9098
- VA Identity Theft Resources