Helpful Resources
How to Report Fraud & Get Help
If you or someone you care about has been targeted by a scam, acting quickly can help limit damage and create a record of what happened. Use these trusted resources to report fraud, protect your accounts, and get help.
Where to start
Where to report fraud
Choose the destination that best matches what happened.
Report Online Fraud — FBI IC3
For internet scams, cybercrime, tech-support fraud, account takeover, crypto, and online financial fraud.
Report Consumer Scams — Federal Trade Commission
Government, business, romance, shopping, prize, or payment scams.
Report Elder Fraud — National Elder Fraud Hotline
Guidance and referrals for fraud victims age 60 and older.
Report Identity Theft — IdentityTheft.gov
When personal information is used to open accounts, make purchases, or file claims.
Report Medicare Fraud — Medicare
False billing, services not received, medical identity theft, or supplier scams.
Report Social Security Fraud — SSA Office of the Inspector General
Fake SSA calls or messages, SSN misuse, benefit or representative-payee fraud.
Report IRS or Treasury Impersonation — TIGTA
Threatening IRS calls, fake tax debts, or fraud within IRS programs.
Report Postal or Mail Fraud — U.S. Postal Inspection Service
Mail fraud, mail theft, lotteries, sweepstakes, or fake delivery messages.
Report Elder Abuse, Neglect, or Exploitation — Eldercare Locator
Find local Adult Protective Services for suspected abuse or exploitation.
Report Investment or Securities Fraud — SEC
Investment scams, Ponzi schemes, crypto investment fraud, and problems with brokers or advisers.
Get a Second Opinion — AARP Fraud Watch Network
Free second-opinion guidance and next steps. Not a law-enforcement report.
Fraud Reporting Quick Guide
Keep trusted fraud-reporting contacts in one easy-to-use place. A one-page reference with the numbers above, plus room to write your own.
Download the Free Guide (opens in a new tab)
Before you act
Avoid getting scammed by using the PROVE IT™ Method before you respond.
The best time to stop a scam is before you act. The PROVE IT™ Method is five simple steps — Pause, Review for red flags, Obtain a second opinion, Verify independently, and End the interaction if unsure — you can use before you open it, click it, buy it, wire it, or believe it.