How to Report an Online Money Scam to the FTC: Step-by-Step Guide

In 2024, Americans lost nearly $3.4 billion to fraud and scams. That’s right—billion with a B. And a huge chunk of that came from online money scams. If you’ve been a victim, you’re not alone. The internet has made scams easier to pull off, but it’s also made it easier to fight back. Reporting a scam is your first step in getting justice—and possibly preventing someone else from falling into the same trap.

This guide will walk you through exactly what to do if you’ve been scammed online, specifically how to report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). But let’s get one thing clear—reporting isn’t just about feeling better. It’s a vital part of the process that could help prevent more scams, protect your information, and even lead to some recovery.

Step 1: Recognize That You’ve Been Scammed

Before you can report anything, you need to be sure you’ve actually fallen victim to a scam. The internet is filled with offers that seem too good to be true—and sometimes, they are. So, how do you tell the difference?

Here are some common signs of an online scam:

Unsolicited offers: Whether it’s a job opportunity, a prize you didn’t sign up for, or a too-good-to-be-true investment, unsolicited emails or messages are a big red flag.
Pressure to act fast: Scammers often create a sense of urgency—“You must act now to claim your prize” or “Limited-time offer!”
Requests for personal information or money upfront: If they want your credit card number, bank details, or Social Security number before you get the goods, that’s a huge warning sign.
Poor grammar and spelling: Professional organizations take care in their communications. If you notice strange wording or typos, it’s likely a scam.

It’s important to recognize these signs early. But even if you're not sure, don’t dismiss your gut feeling. If something feels off, it probably is.

Step 2: Gather Evidence of the Scam

If you've realized you’ve been scammed, your next step is to collect as much evidence as possible. The more information you provide, the better chance the authorities have of tracking down the scammer and stopping them from targeting others.

Here’s what you should gather:

Emails and messages: Print or save any communications you’ve received from the scammer. Screenshots work well if the scam happened on a website or in a text message.
Transaction records: If you’ve sent money, keep a record of every transaction, including payment method, amount, and date. If you paid by credit card or bank transfer, try to get a receipt or confirmation.
Website URLs: If the scam happened through a fake website, capture the URL and any other relevant details, like the design or products offered. Some scammers create fake landing pages to collect personal data or money.
Names and contact information: Record any names, phone numbers, and email addresses you were given or found on the scam site.

This evidence will be your best ally in the reporting process.

Step 3: Know Why You Should Report the Scam

You might be wondering: “Why bother? Will it really help?” The short answer is YES. Here's why:

It helps authorities track and shut down scams: Every report helps build a bigger picture of where the scam is coming from, who is behind it, and how to stop it.
You could help prevent someone else from falling victim: Your report might be the key to preventing another person from losing money.
It may help you recover some of your lost funds: While not guaranteed, reporting the scam could lead to potential reimbursements or aid in financial recovery.

Now that you’re ready to report, let’s move on to the next step.

Step 4: Visit the FTC’s Complaint Assistant

The FTC (Federal Trade Commission) is the go-to place to report an online scam in the U.S. It’s an essential tool for helping fight fraud and protect consumers.

Here’s how to get started:

Go to the FTC website: Visit www.ReportFraud.ftc.gov, the official portal where you’ll submit your complaint.
Create an account: If you don’t already have an account, you’ll need to create one. This helps you track your report and follow up on it if necessary.
Choose the right category: The FTC has several categories for reporting. Select the one that best matches your scam. You’ll find options for things like investment scams, fake tech support, lottery or prize scams, and much more.

Once you’ve selected the right category, it’s time to fill out the complaint form. Don’t worry—it’s straightforward. The form will ask for the following details:

Basic information about the scam: Where did it happen? What was the scam? Who was involved?
Details about the scammer: Any information you have about the scammer’s identity (names, contact details, or website) will help the FTC track them down.
Details about the money: How much money did you lose? How did you pay?

Step 5: Submit Your Report and Track It

After you’ve filled out the complaint form, hit submit! But don’t stop there. You’ll receive a confirmation number—make sure to save it. This number allows you to track the status of your complaint and follow up if needed.

Step 6: Report to Other Agencies

While the FTC is a great starting point, other agencies may be able to help as well. Depending on the nature of the scam, you might want to report it to these organizations:

Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3): If the scam happened over the internet, you can file a report with IC3. They handle crimes like hacking, phishing, and cyber fraud.
Your bank or credit card company: If you paid with a credit card or bank transfer, report the transaction to your bank immediately. They may be able to help reverse the charges.
State consumer protection office: Some states have their own consumer protection agencies that handle fraud cases. Find out if your state has a dedicated fraud reporting site.

Step 7: Take Immediate Action to Protect Your Personal Information

Even after you’ve reported the scam, it’s crucial to take steps to protect yourself from further harm:

Change your passwords: If the scam involved sharing personal login information, update your passwords right away. Consider using a password manager for added security.
Freeze your credit: If your personal information was compromised, contact the credit bureaus to freeze your credit. This prevents scammers from opening new accounts in your name.
Monitor your accounts: Regularly check your bank and credit card statements for any unauthorized activity.

Step 8: Follow Up

Remember that the FTC and other agencies receive a large number of complaints. It may take some time for them to act on your report, so don’t expect immediate results. However, you can always follow up if you have new information or want to check the status of your report.

Taking Control and Making a Difference

Reporting an online scam to the FTC is an essential step toward reclaiming your security and helping others avoid the same fate. But it’s also about empowering yourself with knowledge. Understanding the process, knowing what evidence to gather, and where to report can make all the difference.

The next time you encounter an online scam, don’t ignore it—take action. Report it. Protect yourself. And, ultimately, help make the internet a safer place for everyone.

Remember: you’re not alone. The more people report scams, the harder it becomes for scammers to thrive. Stay vigilant, and you’ll be part of the solution!

Why did the little boy eat his cash?

It was his dinner money! Sign up to receive important information on banking, financial tips, and jokes like this directly to your inbox

Get the app today!