Reporting that you have been scammed can sometimes be embarrassing or disappointing, and you are not alone in feeling this way. Millions of people a year fall victim to money scams, and scammers are only getting more “savvy” in their “work”. Reporting money scams to the government can help protect you and others from the same financial loss, the government can track trends and patterns in fraudulent activity to help prevent the situation, and by reporting the scam, the scammers have a higher chance of being held accountable. 


Protect Yourself and Others from Repeat Situations


The more different stories of money scam attacks, the more people will be able to identify money scams in the future. Scammers attempt fraud through phone, text, email, and through social media. By reporting your incident to the government, you can provide millions of others with information that also protect them.


Tracking Trends and Patterns in Scammer Activity


By reporting scams to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), they will be able to report, investigate, and potentially catch the scammer. Providing your information allows the government to create reports and statics that show others how often and how money scammers are attacking. To find reports from the FTC, visit The FTC Data Visualizations. 


Accountability for the Scammer


By reporting the scam, the FTC can use its resources to help stop the scammer and others like them for good. The FTC will then take legal action against those who are committing money scams and share your information, so that others don’t fall victim. Even some money scammers give up after not getting victims information quick enough. Therefore, it is important to share your story, to help others identify money scams immediately.

If you have fallen victim to a money scam, reach out to your local financial institution and report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission at www.ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Help protect yourself and others from future money scams.

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