Where to report a scam and get real help
If money already moved, call your bank first and ask for the fraud department — that is the only step with a clock on it. Then work down this list. Everything here is free and run by a government agency or nonprofit.
First three calls
- 1. Your bank or card issuer's fraud line (number on the back of your card).
- 2. ReportFraud.ftc.gov — or IdentityTheft.gov if your SSN was involved.
- 3. Your local police non-emergency line, for a report number your bank can use.
Official reporting and help lines
FTC — ReportFraud.ftc.gov
The main federal place to report any scam, attempted or successful.
reportfraud.ftc.govFTC Identity Theft — IdentityTheft.gov
Builds a personalized recovery plan if your Social Security number or identity was used.
identitytheft.govFBI IC3
Report online fraud, wire transfers, crypto losses, and pig-butchering investment scams.
ic3.govSSA Office of the Inspector General
Report calls or letters claiming to be from Social Security.
oig.ssa.gov/report — 1-800-269-0271Medicare
Report suspected Medicare fraud or a call asking for your Medicare number.
1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)Senior Medicare Patrol
Free local help reviewing suspicious Medicare charges, in every state.
smpresource.orgEldercare Locator
Connects older adults and caregivers to local services, including fraud help.
1-800-677-1116AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline
Talk to a trained volunteer about a scam, free and open to non-members.
1-877-908-3360IRS Impersonation Reporting (TIGTA)
Report fake IRS calls, letters, and emails.
tigta.govU.S. Postal Inspection Service
Report mail fraud and fake delivery texts claiming to be USPS.
1-877-876-2455Credit bureau freezes
Freeze your credit free at all three bureaus so no one can open accounts in your name.
Equifax, Experian, TransUnionNational Do Not Call Registry
Register your numbers; legitimate telemarketers must stop calling.
donotcall.gov — 1-888-382-1222
Free tools on this site
- AI scam message checker — paste a text or email and get a plain-English verdict.
- Suspicious link checker — see whether a link is safe before you tap it.
- Phone number reputation checker — look up a number that just called.
- Scam email explainer — have a confusing email translated line by line.
- Retirement safety quiz — find the gaps in your current protection.
Learn the scam you are facing
- Medicare scams
- Social Security scams
- AI voice & deepfake scams
- Phishing & email scams
- Phone scams
- Identity theft
- Banking & investment fraud
- Romance scams
- Tech support scams
- Fraud recovery