Online fraud is at an all-time high in 2025, from phishing emails and fake e-commerce stores to investment scams and hacked social accounts. If you’ve been targeted—or suspect fraud—you don’t have to stay silent.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is the primary U.S. agency that investigates consumer fraud and takes action against scam operations. And yes, you can report fraud online for free.
This guide will show you how to file a complaint with the FTC step-by-step, what happens after you file, and how to protect yourself going forward.
What Types of Fraud Should You Report to the FTC?
The FTC handles complaints related to nearly all types of online deception, including:
- Phishing emails asking for sensitive info
- Fake online stores or marketplaces
- Romance or investment scams
- Unwanted robocalls and telemarketing
- Credit card fraud
- Stolen personal data
- Impersonation of government agencies
- Crypto or NFT scams
Whether you lost money or not, reporting it helps the FTC investigate fraud networks and warn others.
Step-by-Step: How to File an FTC Complaint Online
1. Go to the Official FTC Reporting Website
Visit: https://reportfraud.ftc.gov
This is the FTC’s official portal for reporting scams and frauds affecting U.S. residents.
2. Choose the Type of Scam
You’ll be guided through a menu where you choose the issue that best matches your situation:
- A scam website
- Suspicious email or phone call
- Identity theft
- A company that misused your data
- A product that never arrived
Select the most relevant category to route your complaint properly.
3. Provide Details About What Happened
You’ll need to include:
- A brief description of the fraud
- Any email addresses, phone numbers, websites, or payment methods involved
- Screenshots or proof (optional but helpful)
- When and how it occurred
- Approximate money lost (if any)
You can submit anonymously, but if you want updates, provide your email address.
4. Submit the Complaint and Save the Confirmation
Once completed, you’ll get:
- A confirmation number
- A downloadable copy of your complaint
- A summary of next steps and protection advice
This report becomes part of the Consumer Sentinel Network, which is used by hundreds of U.S. law enforcement agencies.
5. If It Involves Identity Theft, Use IdentityTheft.gov
If your data—like your Social Security number, driver’s license, or banking info—was stolen, go to:
👉 https://www.IdentityTheft.gov
This site gives you a personalized recovery plan, including how to:
- Place fraud alerts
- Freeze your credit
- Dispute unauthorized charges
- Get IRS and SSA support
What Happens After You File With the FTC?
Your report goes into a secure law enforcement database, and while you won’t get direct updates, your complaint may:
- Be used in fraud trend analysis
- Help detect larger scam operations
- Be shared with the FBI, IRS, DOJ, and state attorneys general
Note: The FTC does not resolve individual consumer complaints or recover funds—but your report is essential for enforcement.
Bonus: Where Else to Report Online Fraud
Depending on the nature of the scam, consider these additional steps:
| Type of Scam | Report To |
|---|---|
| Credit card fraud | Your card issuer (dispute the charge) |
| Social media scam | Report directly to platform (Meta, TikTok, X, etc.) |
| Bank or wire fraud | Your bank’s fraud department |
| Crypto fraud | SEC at www.sec.gov/tcr |
| Mail or USPS scam | www.uspis.gov/report |
| Elder financial abuse | Adult Protective Services or local police |
Bar Chart: Top Categories of FTC Fraud Reports in 2024
| Type of Fraud | % of Reports |
|---|---|
| Imposter Scams | 23% |
| Online Shopping Fraud | 19% |
| Credit Card Fraud | 15% |
| Sweepstakes/Lotteries | 12% |
| Business/Job Scams | 9% |
| Crypto Investment Fraud | 8% |
| Other | 14% |
Imposter scams and fake shopping websites made up the majority of cases, showing just how widespread these threats are.
Tips to Avoid Online Fraud in the Future
- Use 2FA (two-factor authentication) on all major accounts
- Avoid clicking links from unknown emails or texts
- Don’t wire money to people you haven’t met in person
- Research a company before buying online—look for contact info and reviews
- Monitor your credit regularly for unauthorized activity
- Use browser tools like uBlock Origin, Privacy Badger, or Bitdefender Anti-Tracker
FAQs
Q: Does the FTC investigate every complaint?
No, but every complaint is stored in their Sentinel database, which helps track patterns and take legal action when possible.
Q: Can I get my money back after filing?
The FTC does not offer refunds, but if your report aligns with an open case, they may help in recovery efforts through settlements.
Q: Can I report anonymously?
Yes, though it’s recommended to share an email so you can receive educational resources or legal updates.
Q: What if the scammer is overseas?
Still report it. Many international scams target U.S. citizens, and the FTC works with INTERPOL and foreign governments to crack down on cross-border fraud.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been scammed or see something suspicious online, don’t ignore it. Filing a complaint with the FTC is quick, confidential, and can help protect millions of other Americans.
Even if you didn’t lose money, your report helps build the case for enforcement and policy changes in the fight against online fraud.
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#OnlineFraud #FTCReport #ConsumerRights #InternetScams #Elvicom
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