Where to go after a scam
If money or personal information has already been shared, do not wait. If you want to talk it through with a real person first, the AARP Fraud Watch Helpline below is free for everyone. Then file the official reports.
File the right official reports
AARP Fraud Watch Helpline · 1-877-908-3360
Free helpline for everyone (no AARP membership needed). Trained
fraud specialists walk through what happened and what to do next.
Mon–Fri, 8 a.m.–8 p.m. ET.
ReportFraud.ftc.gov
Report scams, unwanted calls, and fraud to the FTC.
IdentityTheft.gov
Create a recovery plan after identity theft.
FBI IC3
Report internet crime and cyber-enabled fraud.
USCIS scams
Check immigration scam guidance and reporting resources.
State Attorney General
Your state's consumer-protection office handles many local scams. Find yours by state.
BBB Scam Tracker
Report a scam and search what others nearby are reporting right now.
FTC scam alerts
Read current scam prevention guidance.
Protect what you can right now
AnnualCreditReport.com
The only federally authorized site for free weekly credit reports
from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Use it to spot accounts you did not open.
Equifax credit freeze
Free credit freeze blocks new credit being opened in your name.
Experian credit freeze
Free credit freeze. Pair with the other two bureaus.
TransUnion credit freeze
Free credit freeze. The third of three bureaus to freeze.
Dial 2-1-1
Free local help line for legal aid, social services, and recovery
referrals after a scam. Available across most of the US and Canada.
Local police non-emergency
If physical safety, a courier handoff, or in-person meeting is involved,
report it locally. For an in-progress emergency, call 9-1-1.