How to report a scam
Pick the channel the scam reached you through. Each guide has the exact agencies, abuse addresses, and copy-paste templates that get the report actioned — usually in 24–72 hours. All free. All work anonymously.
Reporting guides by channel
- Report a scam websiteGet a phishing or fake-store domain taken down — Google, FTC, FBI/IC3, registrar, host.Open guide
- Report a phone / robocall scamFTC Do Not Call, FCC, your carrier — block, report, and warn others in under 5 minutes.Open guide
- Report a scam emailGmail / Outlook / iCloud phishing report, plus APWG and your bank's abuse address.Open guide
- Report a scam text (SMS / smishing)Forward to 7726 (SPAM), report to FTC and FCC, warn your network.Open guide
- Report a crypto scamWhere to file when a wallet drained, an exchange impersonator, or a fake recovery agent.Open guide
- Report a pig-butchering / romance scamThe right order of reports when a fake romance + investment app drained your funds.Open guide
Report a scam in 30 seconds
Add it to the public scam database — protect the next person before they're targeted.
Report a scamFAQ
Where should I report a scam first?
It depends on the scam type — but the universal first step is GACS (/report). It takes 30 seconds, the entry is public within minutes, and it warns every future visitor through the website checker, the social profile scanner, and the browser extension. Then layer the channel-specific reports from the guides above.
Do I need to be the victim to report a scam?
No. Google Safe Browsing, GACS, APWG, PhishTank, and most carrier-level reports accept anonymous third-party submissions. The FTC and FBI/IC3 ask for your contact info for follow-up but you don't have to have lost money.
How long until a scam site gets taken down?
Google Safe Browsing warnings often appear in 6–24 hours. Full registrar takedowns usually land in 24–72 hours for clear phishing. Fake stores take longer. Stacking reports across registrar + host + Cloudflare + payment provider is what makes takedowns stick.
Can I get my money back after reporting?
Card and PayPal payments are often recoverable through chargeback within 60–120 days. Bank wires and crypto are much harder, but a confirmed fraud report is required for any later civil or criminal recovery — file it the same day.