How to Report Cybercrime in the United States (and Recover Your Money)
A clear guide to reporting online fraud in the US: file with the FBI's IC3, why the first 72 hours matter for recovery, and which agencies handle your case.
Quick answer: Report online fraud to the FBI at ic3.gov, tell your bank immediately, and file consumer scams with the FTC. Speed is everything — recovery odds are highest in the first 72 hours.
Report it in 3 steps
- Freeze the money. Call your bank’s fraud line right away and ask them to recall or stop the transfer.
- File with the FBI. Report at ic3.gov with every detail — this puts the IC3 Recovery Asset Team on the case.
- Add the FTC and police. File consumer scams at reportfraud.ftc.gov and get a local police report for your bank and insurer.
How to get your money back
The IC3 Recovery Asset Team runs a Financial Fraud Kill Chain that can freeze a fraudulent wire before it’s withdrawn. Unauthorised electronic transfers — payments you never approved — are also covered by Regulation E, which limits your liability when you report quickly.
What to have ready
- Dates, amounts and reference numbers of every transaction
- Bank, card or crypto wallet addresses involved
- Emails, texts, profiles and phone numbers the scammer used
- Any receipts, screenshots or contracts
Frequently asked questions
What is the main site to report cybercrime in the US? ic3.gov, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center.
Can I get scammed money back? Sometimes — report within hours and your bank plus the IC3 Recovery Asset Team may freeze the funds first.
Is there a national scam phone line? No single hotline; report online to IC3 and the FTC, and call local police for a case number.