Scam Victim Resources

If you've been the victim of a scam or fraud, learn what steps to take next, where to report the scam, and how to protect yourself from further losses. Find trusted reporting agencies, victim assistance resources, recovery guidance, and information about follow-up scams that target previous victims.

Need Immediate Help?

AARP Fraud Watch Helpline: 877-908-3360 (Mon-Fri, 8am-8pm ET)

Where can scam victims report a scam?

Local Police Department: If you suffered financial losses from a scam, it's important to file a police report to officially document those losses. This report may be required when reporting the scam to other agencies. It could also be essential if authorities recover stolen funds and compensate victims.

Scam Reporting Agencies: These organizations collect scam reports, monitor fraud trends, and share information to help educate and protect the public. However, reporting a scam does not guarantee an investigation, legal action, or recovery of lost funds.

• Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) - Report a scam to the FBI via IC3 website.
• ReportFraud.FTC.gov (FTC) - Report a scam to the FTC via "report fraud" website.
• Fraud Watch Network (AARP) - Report a scam to the AARP fraud watch network.
• Scam Tracker (BBB) - Report a scam to the better business bureau "scam tracker".

What "follow up" scams should victims be aware of?

Scam victims often experience an increase in scam attempts after being targeted successfully. This is because scammers may share or sell victims' personal information to other criminals, who then use it to target them with additional scams.

• Recovery Scams - They claim to be able to recover your lost funds or track your crypto, these are scams.
• Personalized Scams - Scams tailored to the victim using personal information obtained in previous scams.

Other Resources for Scam Victims:

Checklist for Victims (via USCryptoCop.com) - A step-by-step checklist for scam victims provided free courtesy of USCryptoCop.com.