Why Report Fraud? How Your Story Helps Stop Scammers (FTC Video Guide)

Many people never report a scam, especially if they didn’t lose money or feel embarrassed. But every report helps. This short FTC video explains how your story gets used and why it matters. Our guide shows exactly where to report different kinds of fraud.

From the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) · Part of our Online Safety Video Library

What the video shows

The video points out that we all see scams, whether calls, emails, or letters, because scammers treat everyone as a target. They’re good at knocking people off balance, which is why it helps to have a plan.

The plan: first, slow down and tell someone you trust. Saying the story out loud helps, and your story might help a neighbor avoid the same scam. Then tell the FTC. Investigators use reports to build cases, and other law enforcement agencies can see them too.

Key takeaways

• Report scams even if you didn’t lose money; attempts matter too.
• Telling a friend or relative first helps you think clearly and warns them.
• FTC reports are shared with law enforcement and used to build cases.
• Each report is a piece of the puzzle that shows what scammers are doing.
• Reporting is free and takes only a few minutes.

Where to report

1. Scams and bad business practices: ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
2. Identity theft: IdentityTheft.gov, which also gives you a recovery plan.
3. Online crime and fraud involving the internet: the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov.
4. Social Security imposters: oig.ssa.gov.
5. Your state: your state attorney general’s consumer protection office.
6. The company involved: your bank, card issuer, gift card company, or the app or website where the scam happened.

What to have ready

• The date and time of the contact
• Phone numbers, email addresses, websites, or usernames the scammer used
• How you paid, if you did, and the amount
• Screenshots or copies of messages, if you have them

Common questions

Will reporting get my money back?

The FTC doesn’t resolve individual complaints, but your report can lead to cases that return money to people. Contact your bank or payment company directly about recovering funds.

Is my report private?

The FTC shares reports with law enforcement partners. It does not post your personal information publicly.

Should I report a scam call I hung up on?

Yes. Reporting the number helps companies block it for others.

Related guides

• Pass It On: How to Start a Conversation About Scams (Video Guide)
• Impersonation Scams: How to Spot Them
• Tech Support Scams: How They Work and How to Stop Them
• How IdentityTheft.gov Helps You Recover (Video Guide)

About this video

This video was produced by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), a U.S. government agency, and plays from the agency’s own channel. Juggling Chaos wrote this summary and guide; we are not affiliated with or endorsed by the agency. Some details on screen, such as phone models or web addresses, may look dated, but the advice still applies. Checked October 7, 2026.

File a report anytime at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.