Yes, it is always worth reporting a scammer, even if you didn't lose money. Reporting helps authorities track trends, disrupt scam operations, warn the public, and build cases against criminals, potentially preventing others from falling victim.
Why: Your reports can help us detect patterns of wrongdoing, and lead to investigations and prosecutions. The FTC enters reports it receives into Consumer Sentinel, a secure online database that is used by civil and criminal law enforcement authorities worldwide.
To report a scammer in Australia, report it to Scamwatch (ACCC) for general scams, ReportCyber (ACSC) for cybercrime, and your local police (via 131 444) for financial loss or identity theft, using their dedicated forms and hotlines to help stop scammers and warn others. Always contact your bank immediately if you've lost money or shared details, and report to Scamwatch to help protect others.
When you contact Report Fraud, your information is sent to the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB), which is run by the police. The NFIB collates and analyses intelligence on fraud, identifying which lines of enquiry to pursue and passing the details on to local police forces.
If you have been a victim of fraud or cybercrime, please contact your local police as soon as possible. It is also recommended that you report the instance of a fraud or cybercrime, whether you are a victim or not, to the CAFC. Remember: It's the role of your local police to investigate.
Most phone providers are part of a scheme that allows customers to report suspicious text messages for free by forwarding it to 7726. If you forward a text to 7726, your provider can investigate the origin of the text and arrange to block or ban the sender, if it's found to be malicious.
If you paid by card or PayPal
If you've paid for something you haven't received, you might be able to get your money back. Your card provider can ask the seller's bank to refund the money. This is known as the 'chargeback scheme'. If you paid by debit card, you can use chargeback however much you paid.
Technological Tools and Expertise. Law enforcement agencies have access to advanced technological tools and resources that aid in tracing scammers. Digital forensics, data analysis, and cyber security experts play a crucial role in identifying the tactics and techniques used by scammers.
Tell us what happened.
File a report to share information with the FBI. IC3 is the main intake form for a variety of complaints — everything from cyber-enabled frauds and scams to cybercrime — so file a report even if you are unsure of whether your complaint qualifies.
The duration of a federal fraud investigation can vary significantly depending on the complexity of the case and the amount of evidence that needs to be reviewed. Generally, these investigations can take from several months to several years.
Yes, reporting to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) does something significant: it informs their work to address widespread issues, leading to investigations, enforcement actions (like fines or court cases), and consumer/business education, even though they don't resolve individual complaints or provide legal advice. Your report helps them identify systemic problems and prioritize cases that could affect many people, potentially leading to broader market changes and protecting other consumers.
A cybercrime, such as online fraud, is still a crime, and must be reported in the same way as any crime that may need to be investigated: Draft an affidavit (sworn statement) which identifies you, the person who has committed a crime (if known) and the relevant facts.
This can take between six months and three years. Afterwards, the government will inform you if it plans on pursuing the fraud allegations you reported. If it does, in over 90 percent of cases, the whistleblower receives a reward for reporting fraud.
To scare a scammer, you could waste their time with silly responses, pretend to be an automated messenger, or resend them the messages they sent you. Report all text scams to the Federal Trade Commission's Report Fraud site, filter messages from unknown numbers, and avoid opting in on company sites.
Online communities can help you find scammers faster. Start by checking websites like ScamWarners, Ripoff Report, and ScamAdviser. You can find records of reported scams, usernames, email addresses, and even IP data. Cross-check those names and emails with databases like Scamalytics or FraudWatch International.
Deleting a phishing email removes it from your inbox, but it doesn't help us protect others. Without a report, we may not know the attack occurred, allowing the possibility of others to fall victim to the same message.
If you got a scam text message
Forward the message to 7726. It will go to your phone provider. They'll investigate who sent the message and might be able to block or ban the sender.
It is imperative to provide correct and accurate details while filing complaint for prompt action. Please contact local police in case of an emergency or for reporting crimes other than cyber crimes. National police helpline number is 112. National women helpline number is 181 and Cyber Crime Helpline is 1930.
Your story makes a difference. Every report is a piece of the puzzle that lets the FTC see the full picture of what scammers are doing and then stop them, because scammers don't scam just one person.
Common scammer phrases create urgency, promise rewards, threaten consequences, or build fake intimacy, using language like "Act Now," "You've Won," "Problem with your account," "Soulmate," "If you love me," "Would you kindly," or "Don't tell anyone" to manipulate victims into revealing personal info or sending money. They often use awkward grammar, unusual spelling (like "British English"), and demand secrecy to bypass critical thinking and isolate you.
Can I run a test to see if my phone is hacked? Yes, running an antivirus scan using a mobile security app like Norton 360 Deluxe can help you identify malware infections that could be granting hackers access to your device or data.
Banks may refund scammed money, but it heavily depends on whether the transaction was authorized or unauthorized, how quickly you report it, and the specific circumstances, with refunds more likely for unauthorized fraud (hacks) than for authorized payments where you were tricked into sending money (like romance scams or investment scams), though credit card chargebacks and consumer protections offer avenues for recovery. Your best chance for a refund involves immediate reporting, especially for unauthorized transfers, using credit cards for payments, and providing documentation to your bank.
You may be entitled to a refund under the ACL if goods/services weren't delivered. Unauthorised transactions may be covered under the ePayments Code. Banks and credit card providers must investigate reported scams. If your bank won't help, you can escalate to the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA).
Before you do anything, make sure you can prove the debt exists: Written agreement or contract. Text messages or emails acknowledging they owe you money. Bank transfer records showing you paid them or lent them money.