How To Report a Scam to the FTC: A Simple Step‑by‑Step Guide Anyone Can Follow

You answer a phone call, open an email, or see a message on social media that feels off. Maybe someone is pressuring you to pay immediately, share your Social Security number, or “verify” a bank account. Even if you don’t fall for it, that uneasy feeling tends to linger.

That’s where the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) comes in. The FTC is one of the main U.S. government agencies that collects scam reports and uses them to help protect consumers, stop illegal practices, and educate the public.

This guide walks through exactly how to report a scam to the FTC step-by-step, even if you’re not sure you were really scammed. You’ll also see how scam reporting fits into identity theft and scam protection, and what else you can do to safeguard yourself.

Why Reporting Scams to the FTC Actually Matters

Scammers count on silence. Many people feel embarrassed, confused, or unsure whether anything can be done, so they never tell anyone what happened.

Reporting to the FTC serves several important purposes:

• Helps spot patterns. When thousands of people report similar scam calls, emails, or websites, patterns become clear. This can guide investigations and enforcement actions.
• Supports law enforcement. The FTC shares aggregate scam data with other law enforcement agencies that may be able to act.
• Improves public warnings. Scam reports help the FTC and others warn the public about new or evolving fraud tactics.
• Gives you a record. Your report can serve as documentation that may be useful if your identity is misused or accounts are compromised later.

You don’t need to lose money to report a scam. Attempts count. If someone tried to trick you, that information is still very useful.

Step 1: Decide What You’re Dealing With

Before you start your report, it helps to identify what kind of problem you’re facing. The FTC’s reporting system will ask you early on whether it’s identity theft, another scam or fraud, or a different consumer problem.

Here’s a simple way to think about it:

If you aren’t sure, choose the category that best fits what actually happened, not what you’re afraid might happen. You can still describe additional details in the report.

Step 2: Gather Key Details Before You Start

You don’t need every detail to file a report, but having certain information ready will make the process smoother and more accurate.

Here are useful pieces of information to collect:

• How you were contacted
  • Phone call, text message, email, social media, website, mail, or in-person
• What the scammer claimed
  • Government agency, tech support, bank, online store, romantic interest, employer, lottery, charity, or other
• Names and contact details
  • Phone numbers (including caller ID)
  • Email addresses
  • Website URLs
  • Social media usernames
  • Business or individual names they used
• What they asked you to do
  • Send money
  • Pay with gift cards or cryptocurrency
  • Provide personal information (SSN, date of birth, bank info)
  • Click a link or open an attachment
  • Allow remote access to your device
• What you did in response
  • Ignored it
  • Responded but did not send money
  • Sent money, gift cards, or crypto
  • Shared personal or financial information
• Timeline
  • Date and approximate time of the contact(s)
  • Whether they contacted you more than once
• Financial impact (if any)
  • Amount sent (if you choose to share it)
  • Payment method (gift card, bank transfer, app, wire transfer, money order, cash, etc.)

💡 Tip: Screenshots, photos, and saved messages can be helpful for your own records. The FTC’s online report system lets you enter detailed descriptions, but typically does not require you to upload files.

Step 3: Go to the FTC’s Official Reporting Portal

The FTC uses a centralized online reporting system that covers:

• Scams
• Identity theft
• Fraud
• Unwanted calls and messages
• Other consumer issues

To report a scam online, you generally:

1. Visit the FTC’s official complaint and reporting portal (such as the ReportFraud or identity theft websites operated by the FTC).
2. Choose the option that best matches your situation:
   • “Report a scam or fraud”
   • “Report identity theft”
   • “Report unwanted calls”
3. Continue through the guided questions.

The process is designed to be step-by-step and user-friendly. You’re not expected to know legal terms or exact scam categories. Just answer based on what you experienced.

Step 4: Walk Through the FTC Scam Report Step-by-Step

Once you start the online process to report a scam or fraud, here’s what you can generally expect.

4.1 Choose What Happened

The first screen usually asks you, in simple language, what kind of problem you are reporting. Common options include:

• Imposter scams (e.g., someone pretending to be:
  • A government agency
  • A tech support agent
  • A bank or business
  • A romantic partner
• Online shopping issues
• Prize, lottery, or sweepstakes scams
• Charity scams
• Business and job opportunity scams
• Investment or cryptocurrency scams
• Debt collection problems
• Phone, text, or email scams

If your situation doesn’t fit a listed category perfectly, choose the closest match. You will get additional screens where you can explain more.

4.2 Answer Questions About the Scam

Next, you’ll see multiple pages of questions tailored to the type of scam you selected. These questions might cover:

• How the scammer contacted you
• What they said or claimed
• What information you provided (if any)
• Whether you paid or lost money
• How you paid (gift cards, apps, wire transfers, crypto, etc.)

These questions are designed to capture useful patterns. For example, if many people report scammers asking for payment in the form of specific gift cards, that can be a clear red flag authorities watch for.

You can usually skip questions you don’t know the answer to, but the more accurate information you provide, the more helpful your report will be.

4.3 Share Details About the Scammer

The report form often includes a section where you can add:

• Names the scammer used
• Phone numbers (incoming or requested)
• Email addresses
• Websites or links
• Social media profiles
• Physical addresses, if given

Even partial or obviously fake information still helps. Scam operations sometimes reuse numbers or domains; repeated reports of the same details can be informative.

4.4 Describe What Happened in Your Own Words

Most FTC reporting forms include an open text box where you can describe the scam. This is your chance to:

• Explain how the interaction began
• Quote specific phrases that stood out (“act now,” “do not tell anyone,” “you will be arrested,” etc.)
• Note anything that seemed especially threatening, urgent, or manipulative
• Mention if the scammer had your personal details already (like your address or partial account number)

Short, clear explanations are best. You might write something like:

“I received a call from someone claiming to be from my bank’s fraud department. They already knew the last 4 digits of my card and said I needed to verify my full card number and PIN to stop a fraudulent charge. When I hesitated, they increased the pressure and said my account would be closed immediately if I didn’t cooperate. I hung up and called my bank directly, and they confirmed it was not them.”

4.5 Enter Your Own Contact Information (Optional)

The FTC often allows you to choose whether to provide your own contact information. When you do, it may help if:

• There are follow-up questions
• You need to access or update your report later
• You want documentation of your submission

You can typically provide:

• Name
• Address
• Phone
• Email

If you are concerned about privacy, review the FTC’s privacy notices that appear on the reporting page. They generally explain how your data may be used or shared in the context of law enforcement and consumer protection.

Step 5: Submit and Save Your FTC Scam Report

At the end of the process, you will usually see:

• A confirmation screen that your report was submitted
• A reference number or confirmation code

✅ Important:
Take a moment to save or write down your reference number. Some people:

• Screenshot the confirmation page
• Print it for their records
• Copy the number into a secure notes app or file

This can be helpful if:

• You later discover you lost money and need to add more information
• Your financial institution asks for proof that you reported the scam
• You want to track what you’ve reported in case of future identity issues

What If You Were a Victim of Identity Theft?

Scams and identity theft often overlap, but they’re not always the same thing. Sometimes you spot a scam early and never give out any information. Other times, your personal data is actually misused.

6.1 Signs You May Be Facing Identity Theft

Potential signs of identity theft include:

• New credit accounts or loans you didn’t open
• Collection notices for debts that aren’t yours
• Unauthorized charges on your accounts
• Tax returns filed in your name without your knowledge
• Fraud alerts or freezes placed on your credit file that you didn’t request
• Social Security benefits changes you did not initiate

If you suspect identity theft, the FTC provides a separate, specialized online tool for that scenario.

6.2 Using the FTC’s Identity Theft Reporting Tool

The FTC’s identity theft process helps people:

• Create an Identity Theft Report
• Build a personalized recovery plan
• Generate pre-written letters and forms to send to businesses, credit bureaus, and other institutions

The steps typically include:

1. Selecting “Report Identity Theft” on the FTC’s main reporting portal.
2. Answering questions about:
   • What information was misused
   • Which accounts were affected
   • How you discovered the problem
3. Receiving a custom plan with:
   • Sample dispute letters
   • Checklists of steps to take with banks, credit bureaus, and others
   • Guidance on monitoring your credit and accounts

This identity theft report can serve as a central document you refer to while working with companies and agencies that need proof of the theft.

Beyond the FTC: Who Else Should You Notify?

Reporting to the FTC is one important step, but there are often other organizations that may need to know, depending on the scam.

Here’s a quick overview:

In many cases, acting quickly with these organizations can limit further damage or, in some circumstances, help you attempt to recover funds.

How Reporting Scams Supports Identity Theft and Scam Protection

Scam reporting is not only about a single incident—it’s part of a broader protection strategy for yourself and others.

8.1 It Alerts You to Your Own Weak Spots

Describing what happened in your report often helps you notice:

• When and how you tend to respond quickly to messages (for example, late at night or when stressed)
• Which devices or communication channels you rely on the most
• Where your security habits could improve (like using unique passwords or enabling two-factor authentication)

This self-awareness can be a quiet but powerful benefit of going through the reporting process.

8.2 It Helps Shape Public Education

When similar scam patterns appear in large numbers, the FTC and other organizations often:

• Publish warnings describing the scam
• Share scripts and tactics scammers are using
• Recommend targeted protective actions for consumers

Your individual report may feel small, but combined with thousands of others, it contributes to broader consumer protection efforts.

Common Types of Scams You Can Report to the FTC

Recognizing common patterns makes it easier to decide when something should be reported.

Some frequently reported scam types include:

9.1 Imposter Scams

Someone pretends to be:

• A government agency (like “IRS,” “Social Security,” or “Medicare”)
• A bank or credit card company
• A tech support service
• A family member in trouble (“grandparent scam”)
• A romantic interest met online

Typical red flags:

• Demands for immediate payment
• Requests for secrecy
• Threats of arrest, deportation, or lawsuit
• Payment requests via gift cards, wire transfers, or crypto

9.2 Online Shopping and Marketplace Scams

These scams might involve:

• Fake online stores
• Listings for items that never arrive
• Counterfeit goods sold as genuine
• Order discrepancies that aren’t resolved

Reporting these helps track suspicious websites or sellers.

9.3 Job, Business, and Investment Scams

Scammers might offer:

• Work-from-home jobs that require upfront fees
• “Guaranteed” high-return investments
• Fake business opportunities with unrealistic promises

The FTC’s reporting process often asks specific questions to better classify these types of scams.

9.4 Tech Support and Computer Scams

These usually start with:

• A pop-up warning on your screen
• An unsolicited call claiming your computer is infected
• Requests to install software so the “technician” can access your device

They may try to:

• Steal personal or financial information
• Install malicious software
• Charge large “repair fees”

Key Scam-Reporting Tips at a Glance

Here’s a quick summary of practical steps related to FTC scam reporting and follow-up:

🧭 Quick Action Checklist

• 📌 Do not delete everything immediately. Save screenshots, emails, or messages that document the scam.
• 📝 Write down key details as soon as you can: names, numbers, exact phrases used.
• 🌐 Use the FTC’s official online reporting portal to submit your scam or identity theft report.
• 🔐 Change passwords on any accounts that may have been exposed or accessed.
• 📞 Contact your bank, card issuer, or payment service if any money or card details were involved.
• 🚫 Block the scammer on your phone, email, or social media to prevent further messages.
• 🧾 Keep your FTC report confirmation number in a secure place for later reference.

What the FTC Does (and Doesn’t) Do With Your Report

Understanding what to expect helps reduce frustration and confusion.

11.1 What the FTC Does

The FTC generally uses scam reports to:

• Build databases of scam activity
• Share trends and complaint data with other law enforcement agencies
• Identify companies and operations that may violate consumer protection laws
• Inform educational campaigns and resources for the public

The FTC often focuses on patterns and large-scale issues rather than individual case resolution.

11.2 What the FTC Typically Does Not Do

The FTC usually does not:

• Act as a personal lawyer or representative
• Resolve individual disputes in the way a mediator might
• Guarantee that lost money will be recovered

However, when the FTC takes enforcement actions against companies or fraud operations, it may, in some situations, arrange for refund programs for affected consumers. These outcomes generally stem from broad investigations, not individual complaint responses.

How to Protect Yourself After Reporting

Reporting a scam is one step. Strengthening your defenses against future scams is another important part of identity theft and scam protection.

12.1 Review Your Financial and Online Accounts

Actions many people consider include:

• Checking bank and card statements for unfamiliar charges
• Reviewing recent transactions in payment apps
• Looking over activity logs for email and social media accounts
• Updating passwords, especially if you reused them on multiple sites

If you see suspicious activity, you can often report it directly to the institution that manages the account.

12.2 Consider Credit Monitoring and Alerts

Some consumers choose to:

• Set up account alerts from banks and card issuers
• Review their credit files regularly
• Place a fraud alert or credit freeze with credit bureaus if identity theft seems likely

These steps can make it harder for someone to open new accounts in your name without your knowledge.

12.3 Educate Friends and Family

Scammers often target:

• Older adults
• People who are not as familiar with digital communication
• Those dealing with stressful life situations

Sharing what happened to you—without judgment or shame—can help others recognize similar tactics and feel more comfortable speaking up if it happens to them.

Frequently Asked Questions About Reporting Scams to the FTC

Does it matter if I didn’t lose money?

Yes. Scam attempts are still important to report. They help reveal what tactics scammers are using, even if they didn’t succeed in your case.

Can I report anonymously?

The FTC’s online reporting tools generally allow you to withhold your personal contact information, though the report will be more limited without it. Review the options on the reporting form to see what you’re comfortable sharing.

Will I get my money back by reporting to the FTC?

Reporting to the FTC does not guarantee any refunds. However, your report can support larger enforcement actions that may sometimes lead to refunds in the future. For immediate help recovering funds, your best option is usually to contact the bank, card issuer, or payment service you used as quickly as possible.

Should I call the FTC instead of using the online form?

The FTC typically encourages use of its online reporting tools for most scams and identity theft scenarios because they are structured and efficient. However, some people may prefer phone assistance, especially if they are not comfortable using a computer. Availability and phone options can vary over time, so it’s useful to check current FTC contact information.

Bringing It All Together

Scams and identity theft are an ongoing reality of modern life, but you’re not powerless. Every time you recognize a scam, refuse to engage, and report it to the FTC, you’re contributing to a larger system of consumer protection.

To recap, the core steps are:

1. Figure out what happened – scam, identity theft, or both.
2. Gather key details – how they contacted you, what they asked for, and what you did.
3. Use the FTC’s reporting portal to submit your scam or identity theft report.
4. Save your confirmation and notify any banks, card issuers, or payment services involved.
5. Strengthen your defenses – review accounts, secure passwords, and stay alert for future attempts.

Scammers rely on confusion, secrecy, and silence. By understanding how to report a scam to the FTC step-by-step, you help protect not only yourself but many others who might face the same tricks tomorrow.