Reporting a scam can feel pointless in the moment, especially once the money’s already gone — but it genuinely helps stop fraud operations, track patterns, and sometimes even recover losses. FTC research puts it at fewer than 1 in 20 fraud victims actually reporting to a government agency, which means most scams operate with way less visibility than they should. Here’s exactly where to report one, depending on where you live.
Reporting a Scam in the United States
Step 1: Call your bank or card issuer first (if money was involved). Before filing anything with the government, flag the transaction with your bank or credit card company, ask about a reversal, and get your account protected from further activity.
Step 2: File with the FTC. Head to reportfraud.ftc.gov and fill out the online form. This feeds into the Consumer Sentinel Network, which law enforcement agencies nationwide use to spot scam patterns.
Step 3: File with the FBI’s IC3. For anything involving the internet, email, or cryptocurrency, submit a separate report at ic3.gov — the FBI uses this data specifically for cybercrime cases.
Step 4: Call the DOJ Elder Fraud Hotline, if you’re 60+. 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). Case managers staff this line and can walk you through reporting and next steps specifically for elder fraud, plus connect you to more resources.
Step 5: Report to agency-specific channels where relevant.
- Social Security impersonation: oig.ssa.gov/scam
- IRS-related scams: phishing@irs.gov
- Mail fraud: the U.S. Postal Inspection Service
Step 6: Consider a local police report too. Worth doing if there was in-person contact, a cash pickup, or a significant loss — useful for insurance claims or further investigation.
Reporting a Scam in the United Kingdom
Step 1: Contact your bank right away (if money was involved). UK banks can sometimes freeze or recall a transaction if you’re quick about it, and they’ll usually want a crime reference number for their own records.
Step 2: Report to Action Fraud. The UK’s national fraud and cybercrime reporting centre, run by City of London Police. Report online anytime at actionfraud.police.uk, or call 0300 123 2040 (Monday–Friday, 8am–8pm). You’ll get a crime reference number — hang onto it, your bank may ask for it.
Step 3: Investment or pension scams go to the FCA. Check the Financial Conduct Authority’s ScamSmart list and report separately — this can matter for compensation eligibility through the Financial Services Compensation Scheme.
Step 4: Forward scam texts and emails.
- Texts: forward to 7726 (spells “SPAM” on a keypad) — your mobile provider investigates
- Emails: forward to report@phishing.gov.uk, the National Cyber Security Centre’s address
Step 5: Protect your identity through Cifas. If personal info was compromised, Cifas Protective Registration (a small fee, two years of protection) prompts UK banks and lenders to run extra identity checks before approving credit in your name.
Step 6: Reach out to Age UK if you’re 60+. They help with both the emotional and practical aftermath of fraud, not just the reporting itself.
When to call 999 instead: If a scammer’s physically at your door, you’re in immediate danger, or something’s happening right now, that’s a 999 call. Action Fraud is for reporting after the fact, not emergencies in progress.
Why Report Even Without a Loss
Both the FTC and Action Fraud actively encourage reporting attempted scams, even when nothing was actually taken. Every report adds to a bigger intelligence picture that helps investigators spot active operations, block numbers, and warn other potential targets before they get hit.
The Bottom Line
Reporting takes a bit of time, but it’s one of the most concrete things you can do after getting targeted — money lost or not. Both the US and UK have dedicated hotlines and case managers built specifically to help older adults through this, so nobody has to figure it out alone.
Note: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. If you believe you have been the victim of a scam, contact your bank immediately and report the incident to the appropriate authorities.