Where to Report Scam Websites in the US?

Here are the primary places to report scam websites, depending on the nature of the scam:

1. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

The FTC is the leading consumer protection agency in the US. Report all types of scams to them at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. The information you provide will be shared with thousands of law enforcement agencies nationwide.

• Types of scams to report to the FTC: Online shopping scams, phishing scams, tech support scams, investment scams, identity theft, and any other fraudulent activity online.

2. The Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)

The IC3, operated by the FBI, serves as a central hub for reporting internet-related crimes. If you suspect a website is involved in illegal activities, file a complaint at https://www.ic3.gov/.

• Types of scams to report to the IC3: Business email compromise scams, romance scams, ransomware attacks, child exploitation, and more.

3. The Better Business Bureau (BBB)

The BBB focuses on promoting ethical business practices. If a scam website masquerades as a legitimate business, you can file a report with the BBB Scam Tracker: https://www.bbb.org/scamtracker.

4. econsumer.gov

If the scam website involves an international element, econsumer.gov allows you to file a complaint with consumer protection agencies across the globe. Use this resource if the scammers might be based in a different country.

Additional Resources

• Your State Attorney General: Most states have a consumer protection division within their Attorney General’s office. This is helpful for reporting scams with a local connection.
• Industry-Specific Regulators: For specific scams (e.g., banking fraud), you might need to report the website to the relevant industry regulator, such as the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC).
• IdentityTheft.gov: If your personal information was stolen due to a scam website, visit this government website for steps to recover and protect your identity.
• USA.gov: Offers a comprehensive list of government agencies where you can report various types of scams, including those targeting specific groups like seniors or military members.

The internet, with its vast opportunities, brings a plethora of risks – one of the most prominent dangers being scam websites. These malicious websites are designed to trick unsuspecting users into giving up sensitive personal information or money. If you’ve fallen victim to such a scam or simply encountered a suspicious website, it’s vital to know where to report it to help protect yourself and others.