Resource
Scam reporting guide
Use this scam reporting guide to find where to report fraud, identity theft, cybercrime, payment app scams, suspicious messages, and account takeover.
Reviewed June 10, 2026
Start with the type of harm
The best reporting path depends on what happened. A suspicious message can go to the FTC and the platform. A cyber-enabled loss may also fit IC3. Identity exposure belongs at IdentityTheft.gov. A payment or account problem should also go directly to the bank, card issuer, app, or platform.
Reporting may not guarantee recovery, but it creates a record and helps agencies and companies identify patterns.
- Forward scam texts to 7726 when your carrier supports it.
- Use ReportFraud.ftc.gov for most scam attempts and losses.
- Use IC3.gov for cyber-enabled losses, account takeover, crypto, or online fraud.
- Use IdentityTheft.gov when identity information was exposed or misused.
Useful reporting links
Open official reporting pages yourself rather than using links from suspicious messages.
General FTC fraud reporting.
Identity theft recovery plans.
FBI cybercrime reporting.
Mail and postal scam reports.
Trusted sources
ReportFraud.ftc.gov
Federal Trade Commission
FTC reporting intake collects scam reports and helps route information to law enforcement partners.
IdentityTheft.gov
Federal Trade Commission
FTC identity theft guidance helps people build a recovery plan after Social Security, account, or identity information is exposed.
Cryptocurrency and AI Scams Bilk Americans of Billions
Federal Bureau of Investigation
FBI IC3 reporting names phishing, spoofing, extortion, and investment schemes among the most reported complaint types.
Smishing: Package Tracking Text Scams
United States Postal Inspection Service
USPIS explains that package-tracking text scams use unsolicited messages and unfamiliar links.
Common questions
Should I report a scam if I did not lose money?
Yes. Reports help agencies and platforms track scam patterns even when you caught the message in time.
Should I call my bank before reporting?
If money, cards, or accounts are involved, contact the provider immediately and then file the appropriate reports.
Where do I report identity theft?
Use IdentityTheft.gov for an official identity theft recovery plan.
Where do I report online account or crypto losses?
IC3.gov is appropriate for many cyber-enabled losses, including account takeover and crypto scams.