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how can i report a scammer to the fbi

Quick answer

Yes — for a scam that happened online or involved cyber fraud, the FBI’s main reporting route is the Internet Crime Complaint Center, and its complaint form is meant for scams, frauds, and other internet-related crimes.[1][8]

How to report it

  1. Go to the FBI’s online complaint portal and file a report with as many details as you can.
    2. [8][1]
  2. Include the scammer’s phone number, email, website, usernames, payment details, screenshots, and any messages or links.
    3. [8]
  3. Do not send sensitive personal information like Social Security numbers or dates of birth in the form unless specifically requested; the form says not to enter complainant PII there.
    4. [8]
  4. If the scam is part of a general fraud case rather than internet fraud, the DOJ says you can also contact your local FBI office or submit an FBI tip online.
    5. [2][3]

When to use other agencies

  • If it is consumer fraud or identity theft, the DOJ points to the Federal Trade Commission as the primary reporting channel.
    • [2]
  • If someone is impersonating the IC3 or the FBI, the IC3 page says to report that impersonation as well.
    • [1]
  • If there is immediate danger, call 911 or your local police right away.
    • [3][1]
  • For crimes against children, the IC3 page directs reports to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
    • [1]

What to include

  • How the scam started.
  • What the scammer asked you to do.
  • Any money sent, including dates, amounts, and payment methods.
  • Copies of texts, emails, screenshots, URLs, account names, and phone numbers.
  • Any steps you already took to stop the scam or recover funds.

Helpful tip

If you are not sure whether the scam belongs with the FBI, the IC3 says to file anyway if it involves cyber-enabled fraud or internet crime. That is usually the safest move, because the form is designed to collect reports even when you are unsure.[1]

TL;DR

For most online scams, report it to the FBI through the IC3, include all evidence you have, and use the FTC or local police for cases that are more consumer- fraud or emergency-related.[3][2][1]