Report Fraud
Lost money to a fake shop, investment, or job offer? Report it fast. Check the site below, then file with the right authority.
Where to report fraud
If money just left your account, call your bank first, then file the official report. The report is what puts the scam on record and can trigger a recovery attempt.
In the United States
- File with the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov. This is the main hub for scams of every kind.
- If you lost money online, also report to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov.
- Investment or crypto fraud? Report to the SEC at sec.gov/tcr and the CFTC.
In India
- Call the cyber helpline 1930 right away for financial fraud, the sooner you call, the better the odds of freezing the money.
- File a full complaint at cybercrime.gov.in and keep the acknowledgement number.
- Investment fraud goes to SEBI's SCORES portal at scores.sebi.gov.in.
Common fraud types to watch for
- Fake online shops. Prices too good to be true, no real contact details, payment only by bank transfer or crypto.
- Investment and crypto "guarantees." Promised returns, pressure to act now, a "manager" who won't let you withdraw.
- Job and task scams. You get paid to "review products" or "like videos," then are asked to deposit your own money.
- Romance and long-con fraud. A relationship that moves online-only and eventually needs money.
- Impersonation. "Your bank," "the tax office," or "the police" demanding immediate payment.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get my money back?
It depends on how you paid and how fast you report. Bank transfers and cards have the best odds if you contact your bank within hours. Crypto and gift cards are much harder. Either way, reporting is what starts any recovery process.
What should I have ready to report?
Dates and amounts, the scammer's website, email, or phone number, transaction IDs, and screenshots of the conversation. These map to what the FTC, IC3, and cybercrime.gov.in ask for.
The scammer is in another country. Is it worth reporting?
Yes. Cross-border cases are harder, but agencies coordinate, and your report helps build the case that gets a network shut down and warns the next target.