How to Report a Scam: The Complete U.S. Guide (All Types, All States)

Quick answer: Report any scam to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and the FBI at IC3.gov. If money was wired or sent in crypto, file with IC3 immediately — funds can sometimes be recovered within 24–72 hours. Also file with your state Attorney General (all 50 listed below). This guide covers every scam type and exactly where to report each one.

Americans lost over $10 billion to fraud in 2023 according to the FTC — a record high. Scams now arrive by phone, email, text, social media, dating apps, and in person. The good news: reporting works. The FTC, FBI, and state AGs use your complaints to identify patterns, shut down operations, and in many cases recover money for victims. Every report matters, even if you lost nothing.

Online, Phone & Robocall Scams

Online and phone scams are the most common fraud category. They include robocalls, phishing emails, fake tech support, impersonation of government agencies, and scam websites. The FTC and FCC are the primary federal agencies. Your state AG can pursue state-level cases.

Investment, Crypto & Financial Fraud

Investment scams and cryptocurrency fraud are the highest-dollar fraud category. Report to the FBI’s IC3 immediately — blockchain tracing works best in the first 24–72 hours. The SEC handles securities fraud; CFTC handles commodity-based crypto fraud.

Identity Theft & Impersonation

Identity theft is a federal crime. Report to IdentityTheft.gov for a step-by-step recovery plan, place fraud alerts with all three credit bureaus, and file a police report. Act fast — new fraudulent accounts can be opened within hours.

Romance, Impersonation & Relationship Scams

Romance scams are the #1 fraud by total dollar losses. They often overlap with crypto fraud (pig butchering). Report to the FTC and FBI IC3 immediately. If you sent money, your bank and IC3 together offer the best chance of recovery.

Financial, Debt & Loan Scams

Charity, Grant & Government Impersonation Scams

Federal Agencies: Where to Report Any Scam

All 50 State Attorney General Scam Reporting Contacts

Your state Attorney General enforces state consumer protection laws and can pursue local scammers, seek refunds, and bring cases that federal agencies may not prioritize. Always file with your state AG in addition to federal agencies.

How to Report a Scam: Universal Steps

1. Stop all contact and payments. Do not send more money, even if pressured. Block the scammer’s number and email.
2. Document everything. Screenshot all messages, record phone numbers, note dates and amounts. Gather all payment receipts — bank transfers, gift card numbers, crypto transaction IDs.
3. Contact your bank immediately if you paid. For wire transfers, call within 24 hours. For card payments, file a chargeback. For gift cards, call the card issuer’s fraud line.
4. File with the FTC. ReportFraud.ftc.gov is the federal clearinghouse for all fraud. Takes 10 minutes and the data feeds enforcement actions.
5. File with the FBI IC3. IC3.gov for any internet, phone, or wire fraud — especially crypto. Include all transaction IDs and contact details.
6. File with your state AG using the contacts above. State AGs can often act faster on local cases and have obtained consumer refunds.
7. File specialized reports for your scam type — use the tables above to find the right agency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Independent resource — not affiliated with any U.S. government agency. Last reviewed: June 2026.