Who to Contact for Help With a Scam or Fraud (and How to Report It)
In this guide
How to report a scam: if you think you or someone you know is a victim of fraud or a scam, contact the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), your state attorney general or your local police. Reporting quickly helps, especially when money was sent by transfer.
Quick answer
| Who | How |
|---|---|
| Federal Trade Commission (FTC) | reportfraud.ftc.gov |
| FBI Internet Crimes Complaint Center | ic3.gov |
| Your state attorney general | Find your state office through the National Association of Attorneys General website |
| Local police or sheriff | Use their nonemergency phone number or website |
Is there anything else to do?
If your identity was stolen, follow the steps in identity theft: what to do. If you sent money by transfer, review money transfer scams and your options to cancel an international transfer. The CFPB page on this topic does not promise that money can be recovered, so this guide does not either.
Common mistakes
- Waiting before reporting.
- Reporting only to one agency.
- Embarrassment that stops people from speaking up.
FAQ
Can I report on behalf of someone else?
The CFPB says to contact these agencies if you or someone you know is a victim.
Key takeaways
- FTC, FBI IC3, state attorney general, local police.
Related guides
- Identity theft: what to do
- Money transfer scams
- Visa and job offer scams
- Moving abroad checklist
- Your first 90 days in a new country
Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not legal advice.
Sources
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: Who do I contact for help with a scam or fraud?