How to Report Online Scams Without Feeling Overwhelmed
Scams don’t just take money—they take away our sense of safety and trust in the online world. It’s perfectly normal to feel frustrated, angry, or even embarrassed if you’ve been targeted by one. Scammers are experts at manipulating emotions, so it’s important to remember it’s not your fault and you’re not alone. Reporting the scam can bring a sense of relief and even help prevent others from becoming victims - you can take an important step toward healing and protecting others from falling victim. This guide will walk you through how to report a scam without feeling overwhelmed.
Why Reporting Scams Can Bring Peace of Mind
It’s natural to feel embarrassed or even angry after falling for an online scam. These scammers are professionals at what they do, and they prey on anyone—no matter how savvy you are (this article has more info on How to Spot a Fake Call Scam). And it’s okay to decide to cut your losses and put the whole event behind you. Reporting the scam is completely optional - while it can very rarely enable you to recover some of the lost funds, it’s an important step to reclaiming control. However, the downside is that reporting the scam makes you relive some of the trauma. That’s why we caution each person to decide on their own whether reporting is “worth it”.
You’re Helping Others: Reporting the scam increases the chances that law enforcement can stop the scammer from targeting others.
You Might Recover What You Lost: While not guaranteed, reporting to a governmental institution can sometimes lead to recovering stolen money or property.
You’ll Feel Empowered: Taking action against the scammer, even just by filing a report, can help you feel less like a victim and more like someone in control.
Remember, by reporting the scam, you’re taking a stand and helping to make the online world a little safer for everyone.
Making It Easy: What Information to Gather Before Reporting
Before you contact the police or any other authority, it’s helpful to gather as much information as you can about the scam. Don’t worry if you don’t have everything; just do your best. Here’s a checklist of helpful details, that work regardless of the state, city, or country you live in:
The Scammer’s Contact Information: This could be an email address, phone number, website URL, or social media profile.
Details About the Scam: Write down what happened in your own words. Include what the scammer said, promised, or requested.
Evidence: Save screenshots (pictures of your computer screen) of messages, emails, or transactions related to the scam. If you received fake invoices or receipts, keep those too.
Dates and Times: Jot down when the scam occurred or when you first noticed something suspicious.
Having this information ready will make the reporting process smoother and faster.
Contacting the Right Authorities: Police, FBI, and Beyond
Now that you’ve gathered your information, it’s time to report the scam. But who should you contact? It depends on where you live. As a general rule of thumb, only trust government resources. Nonprofits are also a great second option, but we’d advise against reporting or working with a business that specializes in “recovering scammed funds” (more on that below).
For reporting in the USA, here’s a quick guide:
Your Local Police Department: Start by filing a report with your local police. Call their non-emergency number or visit the station in person. Be sure to bring your notes and evidence.
The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3): The IC3 is a national resource that handles reports of online crimes. You can file a complaint directly on their website (www.ic3.gov). This is only for residents of the United States.
Consumer Protection Agencies: In the U.S., you can also report scams to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at www.reportfraud.ftc.gov.
Your Bank or Credit Card Company: If you sent money to the scammer, contact your bank or credit card provider immediately to see if they can reverse the charges or investigate the fraud. If done promptly, there is a chance the charge can be reversed.
Tip: Always use official websites or phone numbers to ensure you’re contacting the real authorities, not another scammer pretending to help.
How to Spot Fake “Recovery Services” That Prey on Victims
After being scammed, you might feel desperate for help. Sadly, scammers know this and often pose as recovery experts who promise to get your money back—for a fee. This is a well-known follow-up scam, sometimes done by the exact people who scammed you in the first place. Recovery companies are almost always scams (not always, but often enough that we advise against trying to work with one, because it can be so incredibly difficult to differentiate, even if you have a deep knowledge of the internet). Here’s how to spot and avoid malicious recovery scam companies:
They Ask for Payment Upfront: Legitimate authorities like the police or FBI will never ask for money to investigate a crime.
For example, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) warns that many scam recovery services demand fees ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars, promising results they can’t deliver. Some victims of crypto-related scams reported being tricked by fake recovery firms after losing money on fraudulent cryptocurrency platforms, and end up losing an even larger amount of money in crypto paid to the fake recovery firm.
They Guarantee Results: Be cautious of anyone promising they can definitely recover your money. Real investigations take time and have no guarantees.
In one case reported by the Better Business Bureau (BBB), victims shared stories of recovery services claiming to retrieve funds from romance scams, only to vanish after receiving payment. In fact, our website also receives messages nearly daily from these fake recovery companies, offering a 100% guarantee to recover all lost money. It’s terrible and frustrating and that’s why we recommend avoiding them altogether.
They Contact You Out of the Blue: If someone reaches out claiming they know about your scam experience and can help, be very suspicious. Real authorities won’t cold-call victims like this. The only people who would know the full details of your scam, including how much money was lost, are you and the person who scammed you. Anyone else who has these details, was likely given them by the scammer.
AARP’s Fraud Watch Network notes that unsolicited calls or emails are a hallmark of recovery scams, often referencing vague “official” partnerships to appear legitimate. On that note, recovery scam companies often pretend to be law enforcement - make sure you check the email, URL, or phone number before replying if it looks like it’s coming from an official source (read this for more information about how to avoid phone spoofing).
They Use High-Pressure Tactics: Beware if a recovery service pressures you to act quickly or threatens consequences if you don’t pay. This is a red flag that they’re trying to manipulate your emotions.
Victims who reported fake recovery scams to the IC3 often shared that these fraudsters used urgency to coax immediate payment, making it harder to think critically. They will say things like “respond within 24 hours or we won’t be able to put a trace on the wire”, or some other reason that you have to sign a contract or pay immediately.
Stick to Trusted Resources: Organizations like your local police department, the IC3 (www.ic3.gov), or the FTC (www.ftc.gov) are your safest bets. These organizations won’t charge you for help or make unrealistic promises. Remember, taking the time to verify anyone offering recovery services can save you from further loss.
A Final Word of Encouragement
Falling victim to an online scam can feel deeply personal, like you’ve been singled out. But the truth is, these scammers target anyone and everyone they can. The emotional toll can be heavy, leaving you feeling hurt and even helpless. Choosing to take the step to report an online scam is no small feat, and you should feel proud of yourself for doing so. By reporting what happened, you’re not just protecting yourself—you’re helping create a safer internet for everyone.
If you found this guide helpful, consider sharing it (or other articles) with friends or family who might benefit from this information. You can also read more articles in our resource center, download the free internet safety guide PDF, or attend one of our upcoming workshops.