How to Report Fraud at ftc.gov: A Step-by-Step Guide for Consumers
Knowing how to report fraud ftc.gov style is straightforward: if you've been targeted by a scam, phishing attempt, or fraudulent business practice, the fastest official channel is ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Filing a report takes about 10 minutes, doesn't cost anything, and helps the FTC track scam patterns even if your individual case isn't investigated directly. Here's exactly what to gather and how to file.
Understanding Fraud
Fraud is the intentional use of deception for financial or personal gain — misrepresenting facts, identity, or intentions to trick someone into handing over money, data, or access they otherwise wouldn't. In a cybersecurity context, fraud frequently overlaps with phishing, account takeover, and identity theft, since attackers often use deceptive tactics as the entry point before the actual theft occurs.
Types of Fraud
Preparing to Report Fraud
Before you start the report, collect as much of the following as you have available:
What Information to Gather
Having this ready before you start the report form saves time and produces a more useful report for investigators.
Identifying the Type of Fraud
The FTC's reporting tool asks you to categorize what happened, so it helps to know roughly which bucket your situation falls into beforehand — a scam involving a fake purchase, an imposter claiming to be a government agency or business, identity theft, or an unwanted call/text. If you're unsure, choose the closest match; you'll still be able to describe the specifics in your own words.
How to Report Fraud ftc.gov: The Process
Step 1: Visit ftc.gov
Go directly to ReportFraud.ftc.gov — the FTC's dedicated consumer fraud reporting portal. Avoid clicking any link claiming to be this page from an email or text; type the URL directly into your browser to make sure you're on the legitimate site.
Step 2: Provide Details
The form walks you through a series of questions about what happened, who was involved, and how you were contacted. Be as specific as possible — exact dates, dollar amounts, and any identifying information about the scammer meaningfully improve the usefulness of your report for pattern detection across other victims.
Step 3: Submit Your Report
Once submitted, you'll receive a confirmation, and in many cases the option to print or save a copy of your report — useful if you also need to file a police report, dispute a charge with your bank, or provide documentation for identity theft recovery.
After Reporting, what Happens Next?
The FTC doesn't resolve individual cases directly or notify you of an investigation outcome, but your report feeds into a shared law enforcement database used by agencies nationwide to identify scam patterns and build cases against repeat offenders. If your situation involves stolen money, you should also separately contact your bank or credit card company right away — the FTC report doesn't recover funds on its own.
How to Protect Yourself from Identity Theft
If the fraud involved your personal information, take these additional steps:
Resources and helpful links
Fraud and Phishing Patterns We're Tracking in 2026
Our team tracks the global threat landscape monthly as part of RSecurity's own cybersecurity reporting, and a few patterns from recent activity are directly relevant if you're filing a fraud report:
If the fraud attempt you're reporting matches AI-generated phishing content, a fake IT-support call, or a QR-code/callback scam, it's worth noting that detail specifically in your FTC report — these are active, evolving tactics we're tracking in real time, and specific pattern data like this helps investigators connect individual reports into larger cases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is reporting fraud to the FTC free?
Yes — filing a report at ReportFraud.ftc.gov is completely free and takes about 10 minutes.
Will the FTC get my money back?
Not directly. The FTC collects reports to identify patterns and support law enforcement action, but it doesn’t process refunds. Contact your bank or payment provider separately for recovery.
What's the difference between ReportFraud.ftc.gov and IdentityTheft.gov?
ReportFraud.ftc.gov is for reporting scams and fraud generally. IdentityTheft.gov is specifically for identity theft cases and provides a personalized recovery plan, including pre-filled letters and step-by-step guidance.
Can I report fraud anonymously?
You can choose not to provide your contact information, though including it allows investigators to follow up if needed.
