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Frequently Asked Questions

What can we answer for you? Or view one of our FAQ topics to learn more.

About my report

Report anything you think may be a fraud, scam, or bad business practice. For ideas of what you might report to the FTC, check out ReportFraud.ftc.gov for more information and advice.

Start your report now.

Yes, please report it. Whether you think it’s a scam, you know it is, or you’re not happy about a business practice, tell the FTC. The FTC and its law enforcement partners enforce a variety of laws. Your report makes a difference and can help law enforcers spot problems. Start your report now.

 

Learn more about scams and how the FTC works to stop them at ReportFraud.ftc.gov

Yes, only in case, you have the proof, the number/email is involved into fraudulent activities. 
Start your report now.

Yes, it’s a good idea to report it to ReportFraud.ftc.gov, too. One exception — if you reported a financial issue to the CFPB (like debt collection, credit report, or bank issues), you don’t need to report it again here. Start your report now.

Yes. If you prefer, you can file a report anonymously. How much information you give is up to you, but filling in your contact information can help if the FTC needs more information from you. We will not automatically share your information with the company, but there are times when we may share it. (scams)

 

Start your report now.

If you live outside the U.S. or want to report an international scam, you can use ReportFraud.ftc.gov to file your report. It will then be included in the FTC’s Consumer Sentinel database. ReportFraud.ftc.gov is a partnership of more than 35 consumer protection agencies around the world and helps identify trends and prevent international scams. It’s available in English, Spanish, French, German, Korean, Japanese, Polish, and Turkish.

   Filing a report

Anything you can tell us about your experience is helpful. Please share as much or as little information as you’d like. If you paid any money, we’ll ask how much, and when you paid. We’ll also ask for any information you might have about whoever you’re reporting — like their name and any contact information you have.

If you’re having technical issues or difficulty choosing a category, use the Live Chat button for help with the process. But you won’t be able to file your report through the Live Chat. Start your report now.

To file your report in German, go to ReportFraud-ftc.com

 

 

To file your report in German, English, Russian, go to ReportFraud-ftc.com

Protecting the privacy and security of consumers’ personal information is very important to us. Learn more about what the FTC does with the information you give us at ReportFraud-ftc.com/privacy-policy Giving us your contact information can help if we need more information, but how much information you share is up to you.

No, FTC doesn’t review anonymous reports.

 

Start your report now.

   After I file a report

Your report goes into the FTC’s Consumer Sentinel database, which is available to federal, state, and local law enforcement across the country.

The FTC uses reports like yours to investigate and bring cases against fraud, scams, and bad business practices, but can resolve reports on behalf of individuals, if possible. We will also share your report with more than 2,800 law enforcement partners.

The FTC also uses reports to spot trends, educate the public, and share data about what is happening in your community.

When the FTC brings cases, we try to get money back for people. At ReportFraud.ftc.gov you can see recent FTC cases that resulted in refunds.

The FTC is not able to respond to each report individually, and it can’t take action on behalf of individual consumers. The FTC uses reports like yours to investigate and bring cases against fraud, scams, and bad business practices. When you submit your report, we’ll offer you next steps you can take to protect yourself or recover from fraud. If you include your email address in your report, we’ll also send you an email with these steps.

Typically, yes. If the FTC call you about a report you filed, the person calling will have the reference number you were given for your report when you submitted it. If anyone calls for any other reason, saying they’re from the FTC, that’s probably a scammer.

We’ve heard reports of fake FTC callers, sometimes claiming to have refunds or prize winnings, and asking people to pay insurance fees, FTC performance fee, to get them. That’s a scam. The FTC may require from clients to perform mandatory actions, required by AML, such as Financial Identification Check ( in case of the crypto withdrawal/refund). Learn more about the signs of a scam at  Ftc-ReportFraud.com/FAQ (Scams)

The FTC isn’t able to give updates on reports that have been filed or respond to each report individually. If the FTC files an enforcement action and gets money back for people, the agency will try to contact those who filed reports, as well as others who lost money.

When you submit your report, you will have the chance to print or save it. The report will include your report number. If you leave the page without printing or saving, you won’t be able to get a copy of your report.

 
If you gave us your email address, you will also get an email with your report number. Use that number to update your report if you get any new information later. We’ll also email you next steps to take, but the email won’t include the report itself.
The quickest way to update your report is to click the Update Report link at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and enter your report number and contact information. If you’re not sure you have your report number, check your email. If you gave us your address, we would have sent it to you when you filed your initial report.

 

 

If you don’t have your report number, click Update Report and tell us you don’t have the information. It will lead you to a new form, but we will link your new report with your original one. An update is helpful if you have more information about whoever you’re reporting. ReportFraud.ftc.gov

Your report goes into Consumer Sentinel, a database available to federal, state, and local law enforcement across the country. But you also can file a report with your state attorney general or local consumer protection agency.

Reporting unwanted calls won’t instantly stop them. But reporting does matter. The FTC analyzes report data and trends to identify illegal callers based on calling patterns.

 
The FTC takes the phone numbers you report and releases them to the public each business day. This helps phone carriers and others working on call-blocking and call-labelling solutions. Your reports also help law enforcement identify the people behind illegal calls.

 
To get fewer illegal robocalls, look into call-blocking and call-labeling solutions. The call-blocking option you choose will depend on whether you’re getting calls on a cell phone, traditional landline, or home phone that uses the internet (VoIP). Learn more at ReportFraud-ftc.com

We will not automatically share your information with the company, but there are times when we may share it — for example, if a judge orders us to share it. How much information you give is up to you, but filling in your contact information can help if the FTC needs more information from you.
Start your report now.

Getting my money back
After you file your report, we will give you steps to take that could help as you try to get your money back or stop a charge, depending on how you paid. The quicker you act, the better your chance of getting your money back. You also can find that information at ReportFraud-ftc.com/FAQ (Scams)
 

If you paid a scammer with cryptocurrency:

While it is very difficult to get your money back when you pay using cryptocurrency, you can provide the transaction proof to our representative, help of which, we may ask Blockchain LLC to track your transfer. In case, the amount is not cashed out from the Blockchain LLC system, we can help you, to refund it, under strict regulations of AML.

If you bought a gift card and gave a scammer the numbers:
  • Contact the company that issued the gift card right away.  Tell them the card was used in a scam and ask for your money back.
  • Try to find your receipt from when you bought the gift card and the card itself. It could help you recover your money from the gift card company.
  • Learn more at ReportFraud-ftc.com/FAQ
If you paid a scammer with a wire transfer:
  • Contact the bank or company that did the wire transfer right away. If you used a money transfer company, call them immediately to file a fraud complaint. Call the complaint department:
    • MoneyGram at 1-800-MONEYGRAM (1-800-666-3947)
    • Western Union at 1-800-325-6000
  • Ask for the wire transfer to be reversed. It’s unlikely to happen, but it’s important to ask.
If you paid a scammer with a credit or debit card:
  1. File a dispute (also called a “chargeback”) with your credit or debit card company.
    • Online: Log onto your credit or debit card company’s website and go through the dispute process.
    • By Phone: Call the phone number on the back of your card and tell them why you’re filing a dispute.
  2. Follow up with a letter to your credit or debit card company. To protect any rights you may have, follow up in writing by sending a letter to the address listed for billing disputes or errors.
  3. Save your records. Keep any letters, notes, or emails related to the scam — they could help prove you’re entitled to a refund if the credit or debit card company has any questions.
  4. Find out your rights at ReportFraud-ftc.com/FAQ
If you paid with an electronic bank transfer or withdrawal:
  • Contact your bank immediately. Ask if the bank can stop the transaction or recover your money from the person’s or company’s account. Tell the bank the reason you want to stop the transfer, and give them the bank account number your money was sent to. Don’t wait. Let your bank know as soon as you can.
  • If the bank won’t help you, file a complaint with the FTC at ReportFraud-ftc.com
If you sent cash by U.S. mail:
  • Contact the U.S. Postal Inspection Service at 877-876-2455.
  • Ask the U.S. Postal Service to “intercept” the package.
  • Otherwise, contact whatever delivery service you used as soon as possible.
To stop payment on a money order:
  • Contact the company that issued the money order right away. See if you can stop payment.
  • Next, try to stop delivery of the money order. If you sent it by U.S. mail, contact the U.S. Postal Inspection Service at 877-876-2455. Ask the U.S. Postal Service to “intercept” the package. Otherwise, contact whatever delivery service you used as soon as possible.
Try contacting the seller first to resolve the problem and get a refund. Most legitimate businesses want to keep you happy so you’ll keep coming back.
If that doesn’t work, you can use these tips to try to reverse the charge or get your money back, depending on how you paid:
If you think a scammer has your information, like your Social Security, credit card, or bank account number:
  • Go to ReportFraud-ftc.com Look for specific steps to take based on the information that was stolen.
If you gave your username and password to a scammer:
  • Change your password right away. If you use the same password for other accounts or sites, change it there, too. Create a new password that is strong.
If someone calls and offers to “help” you recover money you have already lost:
  • Don’t give them money or personal information. You’re probably dealing with a fake refund scam.

Learn more about different scams and how to recover from them at ReportFraud-ftc.com/FAQ

If you paid a scammer with cryptocurrency:

 

While it is very difficult to get your money back when you pay using cryptocurrency, you can try to contact the company you used to send the money and tell them it was a fraudulent transaction. Ask to have the transaction reversed, if possible.

   Scams
Here are some ways you can tell you’re dealing with a scam:
  • Scammers usually pressure you to act quickly. They don’t want you to have time to check what they’re saying.
  • Scammers tell you to pay in a specific way. They want it to be hard to get your money back, so they’ll say to pay by gift card, by wire transfer, or with cryptocurrency.
  • Scammers ask for your personal or financial information — things like your Social Security, credit card, or bank account number.
Before you act, type the company or product name into your favorite search engine with terms like “review,” “complaint,” or “scam,” and see what you find.
Scammers who call you have a few things in common:
  • They’ll ask for money or information (like your Social Security, credit card, or bank account number)
  • They’ll tell you how to pay — often by gift card, cryptocurrency, or wire transfer.
And remember: caller ID can be faked. So even if it looks like the call comes from a government agency like the Social Security Administration, IRS, or Medicare, or looks like it comes from a local number, it could be a scammer calling from anywhere in the world.
If you’re thinking about dealing with a company you don’t know, do some research first. Anyone can put up a website under almost any name. So before you buy, invest, or otherwise deal with a company, confirm their physical address and phone number in case you have questions or problems later.
Then type the company’s name into your favorite search engine with terms like “review,” “complaint,” or “scam” to see what people have to say about them.
Scammers are calling people and using the name of a company everyone knows, Amazon, to rip people off.

In one version of the scam, you get a call and a recorded message that says it’s Amazon. The message says there’s something wrong with your account. It could be a suspicious purchase, a lost package, or an order they can’t fulfill.
 
If you get an unexpected call or message about a problem with any of your accounts, hang up.
  • Do not press ‘1’ to speak with customer support
  • Do not call a phone number they gave you
  • Do not give out your personal information
If you think there may actually be a problem with one of your accounts, contact the company using a phone number or website you know is real.
If you believe you are dealing with a scammer, you can use our online form to file a report about your issue if you haven’t already.
You’ve gotten the calls: from Social Security. Or the IRS. Or Medicare. Or any number of other agencies. Except: as soon as the caller threatens you or demands that you pay them with a gift card or by wiring money, you know. It’s a scam. Even if caller ID tells you otherwise – that’s not the government calling.
 
Government imposters may call to “verify your Social Security number,” or say your Social Security number or Medicare benefits have been “suspended” due to a mix-up. Scammers may say your tax returns must be done differently because of a name change — and they need your Social Security number to fix it. For recently married people, or a trans person who recently changed their name, the excuses scammers use might make sense. But wait right there. Scammers are just phishing for personal information they can use to steal your identity or take your money.
 
So how do you spot it and stop it? Here’s what to know:
  • Scammers call, email, or text you for money or information. But the government won’t. Anyone who calls, emails, or texts, asking for money or personal information and claims to be from the government is a scammer. Hang up and don’t respond to messages.
  • Scammers tell you how to pay — usually by wiring money, cryptocurrency, or gift card. Nobody legit will ever tell you to pay in any of those ways. If they call, hang up the phone. If they email, text, or message you, don’t click on any links. It’s a scam.
  • Even if your caller ID says it’s from the government, it could be a scam. Caller ID can be faked. Even if it shows the government agency’s real phone number, or even if it says something like “Social Security Administration,” it could be anyone calling from anywhere in the world. Don’t trust it.
People are telling the FTC that they’re getting calls from – and losing money to – scammers pretending to be the Social Security Administration, IRS, Medicare, a government grants group, or cops and the FBI.
If you believe you are dealing with a scammer, you can use our online form to file a report about your issue if you haven’t already.
If someone you don’t know sends you a check and asks for money back, that’s a scam.
Fake checks come in many forms. They might look like business or personal checks, cashier’s checks, money orders, or electronic checks. Here’s what you need to know about fake check scams.
 
In a fake check scam, a person you don’t know asks you to deposit a check — sometimes for several thousand dollars, and usually for more than you are owed — and send some of the money back, to them or another person. The scammers always have a good story to explain the overpayment. They might say they’re stuck out of the country, they need you to cover taxes or fees, you’ll need to buy supplies, or something else.
 
If you believe you are dealing with a scammer, you can use our online form to file a report about your issue if you haven’t already.
Scammers use email or text messages to trick you into giving them your personal information. They may try to steal your passwords, account numbers, or Social Security numbers. If they get that information, they could gain access to your email, bank, or other accounts. Scammers launch thousands of phishing attacks like these every day — and they’re often successful.
 
Scammers often update their tactics, but there are some signs that will help you recognize a phishing email or text message.
 
Phishing emails and text messages may look like they’re from a company you know or trust. They may look like they’re from a bank, a credit card company, a social networking site, an online payment website or app, or an online store.
 
Phishing emails and text messages often tell a story to trick you into clicking on a link or opening an attachment. They may
  • say they’ve noticed some suspicious activity or log-in attempts
  • claim there’s a problem with your account or your payment information
  • say you must confirm some personal information
  • want you to click on a link to make a payment
  • say you’re eligible to register for a government refund
  • offer a coupon for free stuff
If you believe you are dealing with a scammer, you can use our online form to file a report about your issue if you haven’t already.
It’s cheap and easy for scammers and telemarketers to make robocalls over the internet from anywhere in the world. If someone is already breaking the law by robocalling you without permission, there’s a good chance it’s a scam. At the very least, it’s a company you don’t want to do business with. Don’t rely on your caller ID. Scammers can fake the name and number that shows up, making it look like a call is from a government agency like Medicare or a local number. That’s called spoofing.
 

 
You can watch out for common phone scams like government impersonator scams . If someone calls you out of the blue and asks you to hand over personal information or wire money or pay with a gift card , it’s a scam.

 
If you believe you are dealing with a scammer, you can use our online form to file a report about your issue if you haven’t already.
Scammers send fake text messages to trick you into giving them your personal information – things like your password, account number, or Social Security number. If they get that information, they could gain access to your email, bank, or other accounts. Or they could sell your information to other scammers. The scammers use a variety of ever-changing stories to try to rope you in. They may
 
  • promise free prizes, gift cards or coupons
  • offer you a low or no interest credit card
  • promise to help you pay off your student loans
Scammers also send fake messages that say they have some information about your account or a transaction. The scammers may
  • say they’ve noticed some suspicious activity on your account
  • claim there’s a problem with your payment information
  • send you a fake invoice and tell you to contact them if you didn’t authorize the purchase
  • send you a fake package delivery notification
If you believe you are dealing with a scammer, you can use our online form to file a report about your issue if you haven’t already.
  What you can do

Go to ReportFraud.ftc.gov You’ll find articles, blog posts, videos, and infographics on a range of consumer topics.

Once you send money to a scammer, it’s often gone. But it is sometimes possible to get your money back.
  • If you paid with a credit or debit card, try disputing the charge right away.
  • If you paid with a gift card, contact the gift card company right away.
  • If you paid with a wire transfer, immediately contact Western Union, MoneyGram, or whatever company you used.
  • If you mailed cash or a money order, try to stop the delivery. You can also try to stop payment on a money order.
  • If you paid with an electronic bank transfer or withdrawal, contact your bank immediately.
  • If youve maid the cryptocurrency transfer, provide the proof to our representative, to track the transfer on the Blockchain LLC.
For more tips on what to do, visit ReportFraud-Ftc.com/FAQ

Yes, Only in case of the Crypto currency refund. The process is very careful and complicated, as it needs to be performed under the strict regulations of AML.

The FTC enforces federal consumer protection laws that prevent fraud, deception, and unfair business practices. The FTC also enforces federal antitrust laws that prohibit anticompetitive mergers and other business practices that could lead to higher prices, fewer choices, or less innovation.
 
These laws, regulations, and trade rules include the Federal Trade Commission Act, Telemarketing Sales Rule, Identity Theft Act, Fair Credit Reporting Act, and Clayton Act. In total, the Commission has enforcement or administrative responsibilities under more than 70 laws.
To get fewer illegal robocalls, look into call-blocking and call-labeling solutions. The call-blocking option you choose will depend on whether you’re getting calls on a cell phone, traditional landline, or home phone that uses the internet (VoIP).
 
The FTC analyzes complaint data and trends to identify illegal callers based on calling patterns. The FTC takes the phone numbers you report and releases them to the public each business day. This helps phone carriers and others that are working on call-blocking solutions. Your reports also help law enforcement identify the people behind illegal calls.
 
If you’re getting a lot of robocalls, they’re probably scams.
If you gave a scammer remote access to your computer:
  • Update your computer’s security software.
  • Run a scan and delete anything it identifies as a problem.
  • If you shared any passwords, change them right away. If you use the same password for other accounts or sites, change it there, too. Create new passwords that are strong.
  • If you think there’s a problem with your computer, find a computer technician you can trust. Try finding someone at your computer manufacturer’s website or a store that sells computer equipment and offers technical support in person.
In a fake check scam, a person you don’t know asks you to deposit a check and send some of the money to another person. If you deposit the fake check, the check might “clear” and the funds might become available. You might think it’s safe to send the money — but it’s not. By law, banks have to make deposited funds available quickly, usually within two days. But that doesn’t mean it’s a good check. Fake checks can take weeks to be discovered and untangled. By that time, the scammer has any money you sent, and you’re stuck paying the money back to the bank.
 
Since it’s not always easy to tell whether a check is fake, don’t rely on money from a check unless you know and trust the person you’re dealing with.

You’ll find graphics and videos you can share on social media or add to your website at ReportFraud.ftc.gov Thank you for helping to fight fraud in your community by telling others about ReportFraud.ftc.gov

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ReportFraud-FTC.com is the federal government’s website where you can report fraud, scams, and bad business practices.

Contact Information

  • Phone: +1 (202) 221 4248
  • Email: contact@reportscam-ftc.com
  • Address: 600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20580

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