How to Report a Fraud Scam to the Government

Con artists reach out to victims over the phone and on the internet.

Incidents of fraud and scam against Americans have increased with the rapid growth of the Internet and other communication technologies. Individuals should be very careful about sharing private information with others and should never send money by mail or wire unless they are certain that the recipient can be trusted. If you are a victim of fraud, it is important to report the incident to law enforcement to protect potential future victims.

Instructions

1. Report the scam to local law enforcement. If you have been victimized by someone in your community and you are able to identify the perpetrator, you should report the incident to your local police or sheriff. Retain any paperwork that you received from the scammer, including cashed or canceled checks, to show to your local law enforcement agent.

2. Report the scam to your state's Attorney General's office if your identity has been stolen, or you are the victim of consumer fraud. Many Attorneys General across the nation have made consumer protection a high priority, and some have specific divisions that deal only with consumer fraud. Find contact information for your Attorney General's office in the phone book or on your state government's website.

3. Report the scam to the Federal Bureau of Investigation if you are the victim of internet fraud, investment fraud, telemarketing fraud or are a senior citizen targeted by a con artist. Find contact information for your nearest FBI field office by visiting the FBI's website (see Resources). This website also has many helpful hints for avoiding fraud in the first place.

4. Report to the Federal Trade Commission once you have reported a scam to local law enforcement, you attorney general or the FBI. Although the FTC does not resolve individual consumer complaints, the data you report will assist the FTC in conducting large-scale investigations and prosecutions. You can report to the FTC through the complaint assistant tool located on the FTC website (see Resources) or by phone at 1-877-382-4357.

Tips & Warnings

• Be wary of individuals who contact you from overseas. Nigeria and Russia are common sources of scam and fraud.

• Senior citizens are especially vulnerable to fraud. Talk to your elderly friends and relatives about the dangers of Internet and telephone scams.

References

• Consumer Fraud Reporting: Report a Scam
• Federal Bureau of Investigation: Scams and Safety
• Federal Trade Commission: Complaint Assistant
• Federal Trade Commission: Reporting Phone Fraud
• USA.gov: Reporting Internet Fraud

Resources

• The National Association of Attorney's General
• FBI: Internet Crime Complaint Center