When you report a scam, you contribute to a larger effort to prevent fraud from affecting more people. Scammers often target multiple victims, and your report can help authorities identify patterns and warn others about emerging scams (FTC). Even if you didn’t lose money, your experience can alert the public and prevent someone else from falling victim. The FTC uses reports to build cases against scammers and works with other law enforcement agencies to shut down fraudulent operations. Your report is added to the Consumer Sentinel database, which is accessible to thousands of federal, state, and local law enforcement partners who rely on this information to investigate and prosecute criminals.
How to Report Fraud to the FTC
1. Visit the ReportFraud.ftc.gov website.
2. Click on the "Report Now" button.
3. Select the type of fraud or scam you are reporting.
4. Fill out the required information about the incident, including the date, amount, and details of the payment.
5. Upload any supporting documents, such as emails, receipts, or account statements.
6. Submit your report, and the FTC will share it with law enforcement to help investigate the case.
For additional support, you can contact the FTC at 1-877-FTC-HELP or visit their website for more information on avoiding scams.
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