How to Report a Scammer and Help Stop Fraud
March 28, 2025
If you’ve become the victim of a scam, it’s only natural to want some retribution. The good news is that you don’t have to stay silent. One of the best ways to fight back is to file a formal report with the government. The key is knowing where to report scams in the most efficient way possible.
Why It’s Worthwhile to Report a Scam
Believe it or not, many people do not report scams because they feel embarrassed or doubt that it will make a difference. However, reporting scams is important for a few reasons. Firstly, your repxort may provide the authorities with the necessary information to stop fraudulent operations. Secondly, government agencies compile and release scam warnings based upon the reports they receive, which may help other people from being defrauded. Finally, if your scam is part of a larger fraud case, your report may help you to recover your stolen funds.
Where to Report a Scammer
Not all reporting agencies are equally effective. While the first place that most people think of is the Better Business Bureau (BBB), this organization mainly handles disputes with legitimate businesses. At ScamFerret, we’ve found reporting scams to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is the more successful route, since the FTC actively investigates fraud and shuts down some scammers.
Another option is the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). The FBI runs this database to better investigate and stop scams.
How to File a Scam Report with the FTC
The FTC’s website has an online form that you may use to report your scam. For a more streamlined process, ScamFerret subscribers can use our tool to report a fraud directly to the FTC. Your complaint is then added to a database that law enforcement agencies can use to press charges or track overall fraud trends.
Remember, you do not need to be a victim of a scam to report it. If you receive a call, text, or email from a suspicious party and want to help other people avoid being defrauded, take a moment to report the scam.
