How To Report a Scam
Where and how to report scams to banks, national fraud services, platforms, and regulators.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
First 10 minutes
- If money was sent, contact your bank immediately
- Note key details: who, what, when, how much, and how contacted
First 24 hours
- Report to your national fraud/cybercrime service
- Report to the platform, app, or marketplace involved
- Report to relevant regulators (e.g. financial regulator for investment scams)
- Forward scam texts/emails to official reporting channels where available
Contact your bank or payment provider
- Provide your bank with a full timeline and references
Evidence to preserve
- Attach screenshots and references to each report
- Keep all case/reference numbers
Secure your accounts and devices
- Secure affected accounts as part of reporting
Report it
- National fraud/cybercrime service (e.g. Action Fraud, FTC, IC3, Scamwatch)
- Your bank or payment provider
- The platform or app where it happened
- Relevant regulator for the scam type
Reporting matters even if you can't recover money — it creates a record, helps authorities spot patterns, supports reimbursement claims, and can protect others. Use official channels for your country and the platform involved.
Report to your bank first if funds were sent, then to the national fraud or cybercrime service, the platform used, and any relevant regulator. Keep every reference number you receive.
Frequently asked questions
Is it worth reporting if my money is gone?
Yes. Reports help authorities track and disrupt scams, support any reimbursement process, and protect others. They also create an official record you may need later.