Fraud Reporting Resources

Understanding Common Fraud Schemes and How to Spot Them

Fraud takes many forms, and understanding the most common types helps you recognize warning signs before becoming a victim. One of the most prevalent fraud schemes is identity theft, which occurs when someone uses your personal information without permission to open accounts, make purchases, or commit other crimes in your name. Identity thieves often obtain this information through data breaches, phishing emails, stolen mail, or carelessly discarded documents containing Social Security numbers or financial details. Warning signs of identity theft include unexpected bills, credit card statements for accounts you didn't open, calls from debt collectors about debts you didn't incur, or notices of tax returns filed using your Social Security number.

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Credit card fraud is another widespread problem. This occurs when someone gains access to your credit card number—either through theft, data breaches, or skimming devices placed on ATMs—and makes unauthorized purchases. Many people first discover credit card fraud by reviewing their monthly statement and seeing unfamiliar charges. Some fraudsters test stolen cards with small purchases before attempting larger transactions, so even modest charges you don't recognize warrant investigation.

Online scams manifest in numerous ways. Romance scams prey on people seeking relationships, with scammers building emotional connections before requesting money for emergencies, travel, or business ventures. Purchase scams occur when you pay for goods or services that never arrive or don't match their descriptions. Phishing scams use deceptive emails, text messages, or websites that mimic legitimate companies to trick you into revealing passwords, credit card numbers, or other sensitive information. These fraudulent messages often create artificial urgency, claiming your account will be closed or frozen unless you act.

Mail fraud involves using the postal system to execute deceptive schemes. This includes fake prize notifications, fraudulent invoices for services never rendered, and counterfeit checks. Lottery and prize scams claim you've won something you never entered, then ask you to pay taxes or fees to claim your winnings—money that goes directly to the fraudster.

Practical takeaway: Create a personal fraud awareness checklist: Review your credit card statements monthly for unfamiliar charges, monitor your credit reports for accounts opened in your name, be cautious of unsolicited communications asking for personal information, and verify unexpected bills by contacting companies directly using phone numbers from official websites rather than numbers provided in suspicious messages.

Federal and State Agencies That Investigate Fraud

When you become aware of fraud, knowing which government agencies handle different types of cases helps you report to the right organization. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) operates as the primary federal agency handling consumer fraud complaints. The FTC maintains the Consumer Sentinel Network, a database of consumer complaints that law enforcement agencies use to identify fraud patterns and investigate criminal networks. You can file complaints with the FTC through their online complaint form at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, by phone at 1-877-438-4338, or by mail. The FTC does not directly investigate individual cases but uses complaint data to pursue enforcement actions against companies engaging in deceptive practices that affect large numbers of consumers.

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The FBI investigates federal crimes including major fraud schemes, particularly those involving significant financial losses or multiple victims across state lines. The FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) accepts reports of internet-enabled crime. You can file complaints at ic3.gov. The FBI focuses on criminal investigation rather than consumer complaints, so they typically pursue cases involving organized criminal activity or substantial fraud networks rather than isolated incidents.

The Secret Service, while known for protecting the President, also investigates financial crimes including counterfeit currency, credit card fraud, and identity theft. They work on cases involving financial institutions and coordinate with other law enforcement agencies. Reports can be made to your nearest Secret Service field office.

State attorneys general offices handle consumer fraud within their states. These offices investigate deceptive business practices, unlicensed businesses, and consumer scams. Many states operate consumer protection divisions within the attorney general's office. The National Association of Attorneys General website (naag.org) provides contact information for each state's office.

The Postal Inspection Service investigates crimes involving the U.S. mail system, including mail fraud, mail theft, and delivery scams. If your fraud involved the postal service, you can contact the Postal Inspection Service at postalinspectors.uspis.gov or call 1-877-876-2541.

Practical takeaway: Keep a simple reference document listing agencies and their contact methods. For most consumer fraud, start with the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. For internet crimes, also report to the FBI's IC3 at ic3.gov. For fraud occurring within your state involving state-licensed businesses, contact your state attorney general's office. This multi-agency approach ensures your complaint reaches multiple agencies that may be investigating related fraud networks.

Steps for Documenting and Reporting Fraud

Proper documentation of fraud significantly increases the usefulness of your report to law enforcement and strengthens your position if you need to dispute fraudulent charges. Begin by gathering all evidence related to the fraudulent activity. For credit card fraud, collect the original card, statements showing the fraudulent charges, and any correspondence with your bank. Take screenshots of suspicious emails or texts—include the full header information showing the sender's address and timestamp. For online purchase fraud, save all communications with the seller, order confirmations, shipping tracking information, and any photographs of items received that didn't match descriptions.

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Create a detailed timeline documenting when you first noticed the fraud, what specifically occurred, and any relevant dates. For identity theft, note the dates you discovered fraudulent accounts, when you contacted companies, and when fraudulent activities reportedly occurred. This timeline helps investigators understand the scope and duration of criminal activity. Write down names and contact information of customer service representatives you speak with, including the date and time of conversations.

Before filing reports, contact the company or institution involved directly. If your credit card was fraudulently used, call the card issuer immediately using the number on the back of your card—not any number in a suspicious email. Report the fraudulent charges and request a new card. If an account was opened fraudulently in your name, speak with the company's fraud department to understand their dispute process and your obligations. Many financial institutions have specific procedures for fraud claims with timeframes for reporting.

File a report with the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. This online form guides you through providing detailed information about your situation. The FTC compiles this data to identify fraud patterns and investigate criminal enterprises. Additionally, file a report with the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (ic3.gov) if the fraud involved internet or digital methods. Consider filing a report with your state attorney general's office, particularly if the fraudster operated a business within your state or if multiple people in your state report similar fraud.

If your identity was stolen, file a report with local law enforcement and obtain a copy of the police report. While local police may not investigate identity theft extensively, the report creates an official record that you can provide to credit bureaus and companies when disputing fraudulent accounts. Some jurisdictions allow you to file reports online.

Practical takeaway: Create a fraud documentation folder containing copies of all correspondence, screenshots, timelines, and receipts. When reporting, start with the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, then report to ic3.gov if internet-related. Contact your bank or credit card company immediately. File a police report for identity theft. Keep records of who you reported to, when, and any reference numbers provided—you may need these when disputing charges or applying for relief programs.

Resources for Identity Theft and Fraud Victims

Several organizations and government programs provide resources specifically designed to help people who have experienced fraud. The FTC's IdentityTheft.gov website offers a recovery roadmap tailored to your specific situation. After answering questions about your fraud type, the site generates a personalized recovery plan with specific steps, letters you can send to creditors, and contact information for relevant agencies. This resource walks you through disputing fraudulent charges, securing your accounts, and monitoring your credit.

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Credit reporting agencies—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion—maintain systems allowing fraud victims to place fraud alerts on their credit files. A fraud alert notifies creditors that you may be a victim of identity theft and requests they verify your identity before opening new accounts. You can contact any one of the three bureaus, and they will notify the others. Fraud alerts typically last one year but can be renewed. For more extensive protection, you may consider a credit freeze, which restricts access to your credit file, making it harder for fraudsters