Where to Report a Scam in the United States
To report a scam in the United States, you can start with the USAGov where to report a scam tool, which asks a few questions and helps you find "the best agency or organization to report the scam." The FTC takes reports at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. If you already paid a scammer, the FTC says to contact the bank, card issuer, payment app or wire transfer company you used immediately. Your state consumer protection office can also help with scams.
What the official pages say
USAGov explains that "Scammers use tricks and lies to steal your money or personal information" and that scams happen "online, by mail, phone, text, social media, in person, and through new technologies." Its tool asks where the scam took place, its category and more details, then shows the steps to report it. The page says this "will take you approximately 1-2 minutes to complete."
The FTC page "What To Do if You Were Scammed" says: "Report a scammer to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov." When you report a scam, the FTC says it can use the information to "build cases against scammers," "spot trends," "educate the public" and share data about what is happening in your community. It also warns: "The FTC will never threaten you, say you must transfer your money to 'protect it,' or tell you to withdraw cash or buy gold and give it to someone."
The illustration on this page is illustrative only: a hand cupping a red apple that still hangs from a leafy branch, with a sunny lawn behind, stands for picking out the right place to report.
Where the cited pages point you, by situation
| Your situation | Where to go | What the pages say to do |
|---|---|---|
| Paid by Zelle or bank transfer | Your bank or credit union | Report it immediately and ask them to reverse the payment and refund your money |
| Paid by payment app, like Venmo, Cash App or PayPal | The payment app | Report it immediately |
| Paid by wire transfer, like Western Union or MoneyGram | The wire transfer company | Say a scammer tricked you into sending money and ask for a refund |
| Paid by credit or debit card | The credit card issuer, or your bank or credit union for a debit card | Report it immediately, using the number on the back of your card, and ask for a refund |
| Paid by gift card | The gift card issuer, using the number on the back of the card | Say a scammer got the card number and PIN, ask for a refund and keep the card and receipt if you have it |
| Paid by cryptocurrency | The exchange or ATM operator, then ReportFraud.ftc.gov | Say it was a fraudulent transaction and ask them to reverse it |
| Cash sent through the U.S. mail | U.S. Postal Inspection Service at 1-877-876-2455 | As a paid service, they can intercept an undelivered domestic shipment |
| Cash sent by FedEx, UPS or another delivery service | That delivery service | Contact them as soon as possible |
| A scammer used your Social Security number | IdentityTheft.gov | Report it and get a customized recovery plan |
| Unwanted calls and texts | The USAGov page on phone and text scams | Learn how to file a complaint or register with the Do Not Call Registry |
| Business complaints and scams | Your state consumer protection office | Help with "business complaints, scams, and more" |
If a scam used a fake government or immigration website, see how to spot a fake immigration website.
If you shared personal information or computer access
If a scammer used your Social Security number, the FTC says to report it at IdentityTheft.gov, where you get a customized recovery plan; if it was not used or you are not sure, it points to IdentityTheft.gov/databreach. If you gave away a password and can still log in, it says to create a new, strong password and turn on two-factor authentication. If a scammer got access to your computer or phone, it says to update your security software, run a scan and change your passwords.
What is not covered or depends on the situation
USAGov notes: "If your issue is with a legitimate business that has wronged you, it may not be an actual scam." For that case it points to its complaints section, which covers government agencies, telemarketers, products and services, travel, housing, and banking. The FTC warns that if you paid a scammer, "your money might be gone already," and says cryptocurrency payments do not have the same legal protections as credit and debit cards, although some states have passed laws that might help. The cited pages do not say whether a single report will lead to follow-up or a refund.
Where to look next
If your situation fits no row in the table, go back to the USAGov scam tool or browse the USAGov consumer complaints pages on online purchases, companies, telemarketers, cars, phone companies, and cable or satellite television.
About this page
This page is general information drawn from the official pages cited below, not an opinion on anyone's situation. A question about your personal situation belongs with an independent attorney. For immigration matters, see how to find authorized immigration help.
- USAGov: Where to report a scam
- USAGov: Consumer complaints
- FTC: What to do if you were scammed
- USAGov: Where to file a complaint
VisaNow.AI is not a law firm and does not give legal advice. This page is general information taken from official government pages; it does not assess anyone's case. An attorney-client relationship arises only with an independent attorney. Check the official pages for current details.
Information current as of 2026-10-28