Step 1: Document All Evidence Immediately

The moment you realize you've been scammed, stop all communication with the scammer and start documenting. Time matters — fraudsters often delete accounts and disappear quickly.

Capture and save:

Step 2: Report to Your Bank or Payment Provider

Before filing a report with authorities, contact your bank immediately. For bank transfers, some institutions can initiate a recall if contacted within 24–48 hours. For credit card payments, request a chargeback. For crypto — act fast but know that blockchain transactions are generally irreversible without legal intervention.

Step 3: Report to Your National Fraud Authority

Select your country to file the right report:

🇺🇸 United States – Federal Trade Commission

Report fraud to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. For internet crimes, also file with the FBI's IC3 at ic3.gov. Investment fraud goes to the SEC at sec.gov/tcr.

🇬🇧 United Kingdom – Action Fraud

Report all fraud and cybercrime to Action Fraud at actionfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040. Action Fraud is the UK's national fraud reporting centre, operated by the City of London Police.

🇦🇺 Australia – Scamwatch / ACCC

Report scams to the ACCC at scamwatch.gov.au. Cybercrime goes to ReportCyber at cyber.gov.au. Financial fraud goes to ASIC at asic.gov.au.

🇨🇦 Canada – CAFC

Report to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca or call 1-888-495-8501.

🇪🇺 European Union

Report to your national police, and additionally to Europol's EC3 unit at europol.europa.eu. Online fraud can also be reported to ENISA.

🌏 Other Countries

See our full Global Fraud Authorities Directory for reporting links in 50+ countries.

Step 4: Report the Scam Website

If a fraudulent website was involved, report it to:

Full guide: How to Report a Scam Website

Step 5: Consider a Private Investigator

For losses of $1,000, or when the scammer's identity needs to be traced, a licensed private investigator can significantly strengthen your case. PIs who specialize in online fraud can:

Find a licensed private investigator →

⚠️ Avoid "Scam Recovery" Services

Beware of companies promising to recover your money for an upfront fee. Many are secondary scams targeting fraud victims. Legitimate investigators work under contract with verified credentials — never pay upfront to an unverified service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will reporting a scam get my money back?
Reporting alone rarely recovers money directly, but it contributes to investigations that can. Your best chance of recovery is acting fast — contact your bank within 24 hours and engage an investigator for complex cases.
Is it too late to report a scam that happened months ago?
No — you should still report it. Authorities investigate patterns over time, and your report may connect to others. Some investigations take months before action is taken.
Can I report a scam anonymously?
Many authorities allow anonymous reports. The FTC, Action Fraud, and Scamwatch all accept reports without requiring your identity. However, providing your details increases the chance of follow-up.
What if the scammer is in another country?
Report in your own country anyway — your authority can refer the case to Interpol or relevant international bodies. A private investigator with international experience can also help trace overseas fraudsters.