How to Report a Scam in the U.S. | CyberCare Network
CyberCare Network

Official U.S. reporting guide

How to report a scam

Choose the official destination that matches what happened. Reports can help agencies recognize patterns, even when no money was lost.

Check a suspicious messageReviewed September 27, 2026

Choose the right reporting path

  1. 1

    Scams and fraud

    Use FTC ReportFraud for impersonation, payment, shopping, romance, investment, prize, and other consumer scams.

  2. 2

    Identity theft

    Use IdentityTheft.gov when someone used your personal information or opened an account in your name.

  3. 3

    Internet-enabled crime

    Use the FBI's IC3 for cyber-enabled fraud, account takeover, extortion, business-email compromise, or significant online loss.

Texts, calls, and platforms

  • Forward a spam text to 7726 (SPAM), then use the reporting controls in your messaging app or wireless provider.
  • Report unwanted calls and spoofing through the FTC or FCC as appropriate.
  • Report the account or message inside the social, marketplace, email, or payment platform, but do not rely on that report as the only step after a financial loss.

Suspected elder fraud

The National Elder Fraud Hotline offers help for adults age 60 and older and people assisting them. The official number is 833-372-8311, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern Time, excluding federal holidays.

  • Call 911 for immediate danger.
  • Contact local law enforcement or Adult Protective Services when abuse, coercion, or ongoing exploitation is suspected.

What to include

  • Dates, amounts, payment methods, transaction IDs, usernames, phone numbers, email addresses, and website addresses.
  • A short timeline and copies of relevant messages or screenshots, with passwords, codes, and full account numbers removed.
  • The name of any bank, app, marketplace, or company already contacted and the response received.

Go to official reporting services

CyberCare links directly to primary public sources so you can verify important safety actions.

Related help

CyberCare is not a law-enforcement agency and does not submit reports for you. Use the official sites above and independently verify any person who contacts you afterward.