Frequently Asked Questions

Fraud Recovery Guidance Center is the official website where consumers can report fraud, scams, and bad business practices. Your reports help law enforcement agencies identify and stop fraudulent activities.

The information you provide is used to:

• Build cases against fraudsters
• Identify new fraud trends
• Educate the public about emerging scams
• Support law enforcement investigations

Anyone who has experienced or witnessed fraud, scams, or bad business practices can file a report. You don't need to be a U.S. citizen to report, and you can file reports for incidents that occurred anywhere in the world.

You can file a report if you are:

• A victim of fraud or scam
• A family member helping someone who was scammed
• A concerned citizen who witnessed fraudulent activity
• A business owner who encountered fraudulent practices

Yes, your personal information is kept confidential. The FTC has a Privacy Act statement that explains how your information is protected. While reports may be shared with law enforcement partners, your personal details are handled according to strict privacy guidelines.

You can also choose to submit reports anonymously if you prefer not to provide personal contact information.

Filing a report typically takes 10-15 minutes, depending on the complexity of your situation and how much detail you provide. The process is broken down into simple steps to make it easy to follow.

The reporting process includes:

• Selecting the type of problem (1-2 minutes)
• Providing details about what happened (5-8 minutes)
• Adding optional contact information (1-2 minutes)
• Reviewing and submitting your report (1-2 minutes)

To file a report, you'll need:

• Basic information: What happened, when it happened, and how much money was involved (if any)
• Details about the scammer: Name, phone number, email address, website, or any other identifying information
• Supporting documents: Screenshots, emails, receipts, or other evidence (optional but helpful)
• Your contact information: Optional, but can help if investigators need to follow up

Don't worry if you don't have all the information - provide what you can, and every detail helps.

Yes, you can file a report on behalf of someone else, such as:

• Elderly family members who may be vulnerable to scams
• Friends or relatives who need assistance
• Minor children who have been targeted
• People who are unable to file reports themselves

When filing for someone else, provide as much accurate information as possible about their experience.

After you submit your report:

• Your report is entered into the FTC's Consumer Sentinel Network
• The information is analyzed for patterns and trends
• Reports may be shared with appropriate law enforcement agencies
• The data helps identify emerging scams and fraud trends
• You may receive follow-up questions if investigators need more information

Please note that individual reports typically don't result in immediate action, but your information contributes to larger investigations and helps protect others.

The FTC cannot guarantee that you will get your money back. However, filing a report is an important first step that may help in several ways:

• Your report could contribute to investigations that lead to arrests and prosecutions
• If the fraudster is caught, you may be eligible for restitution
• Some cases result in civil settlements where victims receive compensation
• Your report helps prevent others from being scammed

For immediate financial recovery, consider contacting your bank, credit card company, or other financial institutions.

Yes, you can request a copy of your report. After submitting, you'll receive a confirmation with a reference number. You can use this number to:

• Request a copy of your report
• Add additional information to your existing report
• Check the status of your report

Keep your reference number in a safe place for future reference.

The most common types of scams reported include:

• Impersonation scams: Fake calls or emails pretending to be from government agencies, banks, or tech companies
• Online shopping fraud: Fake websites, items that never arrive, or counterfeit products
• Investment scams: Promises of high returns with little or no risk
• Employment scams: Fake job offers that require payment or personal information
• Phishing: Emails or texts designed to steal personal information
• Tech support scams: Fake warnings about computer problems

Common red flags that indicate a scam include:

• Urgency: Claims that you must act immediately
• Pressure: Tactics to make you feel rushed or scared
• Unusual payment methods: Requests for gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency
• Poor grammar: Spelling mistakes and unprofessional language
• Too good to be true: Promises of free money, prizes, or unrealistic returns
• Requests for personal information: Asking for passwords, Social Security numbers, or bank details

Trust your instincts - if something seems suspicious, it probably is.