These days, knowing how to report fraud is just as important as knowing how to avoid it. In 2023 alone, the FTC’s Consumer Sentinel Network received more than 5.4 million reports, of which 2.6 million corresponded to fraud.
In this post, we will guide you step by step, so you know where to report online fraud, which agencies to contact, and which channels are the safest for filing a complaint. Also, we will look at how to present a case to the FTC, the FBI, the BBB, and the CFPB.
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How to Report Fraud to the FTC?
When fraud hits your wallet, the FTC is one of the first places you can turn to. The agency receives millions of complaints every year and collects that information so other authorities can act.
The agency offers digital platforms that guide any affected person through each step. Here’s what you need to do:
- Go to ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
- Click the Complaint Assistant and answer the guided questions about your case.
- Have ready:
- Your name, address, phone number, and email.
- The type of product or service involved.
- Business/seller details (name, website, phone, address, contact).
- Amount paid, payment method, and transaction date.
- Submit the report.
When you finish, the FTC provides suggested next steps to help you protect your funds or try to recover your money based on how you paid.
If your case involves identity theft, use IdentityTheft.gov to generate a personalized recovery plan, print letters and forms, and track progress. Click “Get Started” and follow the instructions below.
What Does the FTC Do?
The Federal Trade Commission protects consumers from fraud, deceptive advertising, and abusive business practices. It acts when someone earns money illegally at people’s expense.
A typical case can look like:
- Buying a product online that never arrives.
- Finding unauthorized charges on a credit card.
- Joining a service that later bills you improperly.
In these situations, the FTC is the first point of contact. It centralizes reports, shares them with other authorities, and helps turn individual complaints into general actions against attackers.
Where to Report It?
The main way to report a fraud case is online, either through FTC.gov/assistant or IdentityTheft.gov. Both platforms are available in English and Spanish, and they allow you to complete the process from any device—no need to visit an office.
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How to Report Fraud to the FBI?
Learning how to report fraud to the FBI is indispensable when a case has a large-scale criminal, financial, or digital element. The Federal Bureau of Investigation receives thousands of complaints each year tied to online scams, phishing, fake investments, and organized financial fraud.
How to report
To submit a report directly to the FBI, use the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). This platform centralizes complaints about cybercrime and internet-related financial offenses. Follow these steps:
- Go to IC3.gov.
- Select File a Complaint.
- Provide the following:
- Victim contact details.
- Offender or company information (if available).
- Type of fraud, with a clear description.
- Amounts involved, payment method, and transaction dates.
- Attach supporting evidence (emails, screenshots, receipts).
- Submit your report and keep the confirmation number.
After submission, IC3 forwards your complaint to the appropriate agencies. While the FBI may not reply to each case, the data helps identify patterns and supports investigations against organized fraud groups.
What Does the FBI Do?
The FBI investigates crimes that cross state lines or involve complex criminal networks. Its focus includes cybercrime, financial fraud, and organized crime groups. Some examples include:
- Cryptocurrency investment scams that vanish with funds.
- Bank phishing emails that steal your credentials and drain your account.
- Fake business schemes targeting large groups of victims.
Where to Report It?
Use IC3.gov to report internet-based fraud or any case involving digital elements. For information about other federal crimes beyond cyber fraud, visit tips.fbi.gov.
Choose the platform based on your situation:
- Use IC3.gov for digital scams and online financial fraud.
- Use tips.fbi.gov to report intelligence about broader criminal operations.
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How to Report Fraud to the BBB?
When you search for how to report fraud in cases that involve a company, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) is the way. Each year, it receives hundreds of thousands of complaints about services and products. In 2023 alone, the BBB handled more than 850,000 consumer complaints across various industries.
The BBB’s online complaint system lets consumers present their case in detail. The process is straightforward and works from any device. Follow these steps:
- Visit bbb.org/file-a-complaint.
- Enter your location, so the case is routed to the appropriate local BBB office.
- Choose the type of issue: defective product, poor service, deceptive advertising, or financial fraud.
- Describe the incident, including dates, amounts, invoices, or contracts.
- Specify the resolution you’re seeking (refund, replacement, cancellation of charges, etc.).
- Submit the complaint and keep the reference number for tracking.
The BBB will contact the company to mediate. If the business replies, a negotiation process begins that may lead to a positive outcome.
What Does the BBB Do?
The BBB is a nonprofit organization that promotes trust in the marketplace. Its core functions include:
- Receiving consumer complaints about companies that failed to meet expectations.
- Mediating disputes between both parties to find fair solutions.
- Promoting transparency through a rating system that evaluates business ethical behavior.
- Publishing alerts about deceptive practices in the marketplace.
For example, a buyer purchases an appliance with a warranty, the product fails, and the company refuses to repair or refund it. In that scenario, the BBB steps in as a mediator, so the company responds and the consumer receives an appropriate remedy.
Where to Report It?
Use the official form at bbb.org/file-a-complaint to start the process. If your case involves privacy concerns or data theft, the BBB portal can also guide you to federal agencies such as the FTC or the CFPB to continue the process.
If you’re not sure where to report online fraud, start with the BBB when a business is implicated. Just remember: while the BBB can mediate and pressure companies to respond, it doesn’t have legal authority to impose penalties. For serious violations, consider taking further legal or regulatory action.
How to Report Fraud to the CFPB?
When fraud hits your personal finances, knowing how to report fraud to the CFPB can help you decide if you recover your money or end up unprotected. This agency has become a go-to resource for people dealing with banks, credit cards, loans, or mortgages.
The CFPB proposes a digital system that guides consumers throughout the process. If you want to learn how to report fraud with this institution, follow these steps:
- Visit consumerfinance.gov and open the complaints section.
- Choose the product or service involved – cards, loans, bank accounts, or mortgages.
- Describe the problem in detail, including dates, amounts, and supporting documents.
- Explain how the incident affected you – if it’s a financial loss, a credit score drop, or blocked access to funds.
- Submit the complaint and save your tracking number.
Once submitted, the CFPB will then contact the financial institution so it responds directly to you.
What Does the CFPB Do?
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau regulates the financial marketplace, monitoring banks, lenders, and card issuers to verify lawful behavior. In practice, the CFPB:
- Reviews complaints against banks for improper charges or fraudulent practices.
- Intervenes in card cases involving hidden interest or unjustified fees.
- Handles claims connected to student loans, mortgages, and personal credit.
- Issuing recommendations or penalties in cases of repeated violations.
For example, if a credit card is charged multiple times without your consent or a bank alters loan terms unfairly, the CFPB is the right agency to contact.
Where to Report It?
To start your complaint, go to consumerfinance.gov/complaint (Spanish and English available). If your case involves identity theft, complement your filing at IdentityTheft.gov, so both entities can act in coordination.
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Organize Your Fraud Complaint Step by Step
Learning how to report fraud is only part of the journey; the hard part comes when agencies ask for evidence that isn’t ready. A messy file can slow the process. To help, we created a simple template that lays out every detail step by step. With it, you’ll have everything at hand.
✅ Download our free toolkit to easily collect, organize, and report scam cases — with dropdowns for scam types, payment methods, platforms, and direct links to agencies like the FTC, FBI IC3, CFPB, BBB, and more.
At Cryptoscam Defense Network, we work by your side so you are not facing cyber fraud, crypto scams, or fake social profiles alone. We guide each step, including preparing your complaint for agencies such as the FTC or the FBI.
We Want to Hear From You!
Fraud recovery is hard, but you don’t have to do it alone. Our community is here to help you share, learn, and protect yourself from future fraud.
Why Join Us?
- Community support: Share your experiences with people who understand.
- Useful resources: Learn from our tools and guides to prevent fraud.
- Safe space: A welcoming place to share your story and receive support.
Find the help you need. Join our Facebook group or contact us directly.
Be a part of the change. Your story matters.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About How To Report Fraud
How Long Does the FTC Take to Respond to A Complaint?
When you submit a report at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, the information is shared with enforcement partners. The FTC does not send a personalized reply for every case, but it provides resources and recommended steps by fraud type. For formal requests, the agency uses timelines of about 20 business days.
What Happens If The Fraud Involves An International Bank?
You can start with the FTC or the CFPB, and it also helps to report in the country where the institution operates. For internet-based incidents, the options at IC3.gov are available, as it works with partners abroad on financial crimes tied to the web.
Can Fraud Be Reported Anonymously?
Yes. The FTC and the FBI allow reports without personal data. On ReportFraud.ftc.gov, you can submit with minimal information, and tips.fbi.gov accepts anonymous submissions as well.
