In immediate danger? If someone is being threatened or a crime is happening right now, call the emergency number: 112 anywhere in the EU, 999 or 112 in the UK, 911 in the US.
This page lists official places to report fraud. It does not include private "recovery" firms, and we receive nothing from any organisation listed. Reporting rarely brings money back on its own, but it creates an official record, helps investigators connect cases, and can stop the same people reaching someone else. For the reasons behind each step, read our guide on reporting fraud in the EU, UK and US.
Everywhere: your bank and the platform
If you paid by bank transfer or card, call your bank or card provider first, using the number on the back of your card or in the bank's own app. Ask them to stop or recall the payment and to block anything else that looks wrong. In the UK, calling 159 connects you to many banks' fraud lines.
Also report the account that contacted you on the social network, messaging app, dating site or marketplace where it happened. Platforms can remove fake profiles and may keep records that investigators later request.
European Union
Police
Fraud is a crime in every member state, and the national or local police are the main place to report it. Many countries offer an online form for fraud and cybercrime. Europol, the EU's law enforcement agency, keeps a list of links to national online reporting services: Europol — report cybercrime online.
Financial regulator
If the scheme claimed to be an authorised firm, or offered crypto-asset services, tell the national financial regulator (the "national competent authority") as well. Regulators publish warnings about unauthorised firms and can add new names. The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) links to national warnings and publishes its own consumer material: ESMA — warnings and publications.
Phishing and hacked accounts
Most member states have a national cybersecurity agency or computer security incident response team (CSIRT) that accepts reports about phishing sites and malware. Its address is usually listed on your government's official website.
United Kingdom
England, Wales and Northern Ireland
Report fraud and cybercrime to Report Fraud, the national reporting centre, online or by phone on 0300 123 2040. You will receive a crime reference number, which banks often ask for.
Scotland
Report fraud to Police Scotland by calling 101, or 999 in an emergency.
Unauthorised or cloned firms
If a firm claimed to be regulated, or copied the details of a real firm, tell the Financial Conduct Authority. Its ScamSmart pages explain how to report a firm and how to check the Financial Services Register.
Scam e-mails, texts and websites
- Forward suspicious e-mails to report@phishing.gov.uk, the reporting service run by the National Cyber Security Centre.
- Forward suspicious text messages to 7726, free of charge on most UK networks.
United States
Federal Trade Commission
Report scams, including crypto-related ones, at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. The FTC shares reports with law enforcement agencies across the country.
FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center
Report internet-enabled fraud, including schemes involving crypto-assets, to the IC3. Include transaction identifiers and wallet addresses if you have them.
Identity theft
If your personal details were stolen or misused, IdentityTheft.gov helps you report it and builds a step-by-step recovery plan.
Securities-related fraud
Schemes presented as securities offerings can be reported to the US Securities and Exchange Commission through its tips, complaints and referrals portal.
Older adults
People aged 60 and over, and those helping them, can call the National Elder Fraud Hotline run by the US Department of Justice: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311).
What to have ready
- Dates and times of contact, and the names, numbers or profiles used.
- Screenshots of messages, websites and any "account" pages you were shown.
- Payment details: bank references, card statements, wallet addresses and transaction identifiers.
- Website addresses and app names exactly as you saw them.
Our printable first-hour checklist puts these steps in order.
A warning after you report
People who report a loss are often contacted by fake "recovery agents", lawyers or even fake police officers who promise to get the money back for a fee. Official bodies do not charge victims to investigate. Read more in our guide to "recovery" scams.