File a Complaint
Here's how to file a complaint about various types of Internet-related problems:
Cross-Border Scams
If you think you may have responded to a cross-border scam, file a complaint at eConsumer.gov. Then visit the FTC's identity theft website at ftc.gov/idtheft to learn how to minimize your risk. If you've been involved in a "Nigerian" scheme, contact your local Secret Service field office. Report telemarketing fraud and check overpayment scams to your state Attorney General. Report any unsolicited email offers to spam@uce.gov. If you receive what looks like lottery material from a foreign country through the postal mail, give it to your local postmaster.
Email Scams
Should you receive an email that you think may be fraudulent, forward it to the FTC at spam@uce.gov and to the abuse desk of the sender's ISP. Also, if the email appears to be impersonating a bank or other company or organization, forward the message to the actual organization.
Identity Theft
If your information has been misused, file a report about your identity theft with the police, and file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at ftc.gov/idtheft. Read Take Charge: Fighting Back Against Identity Theft for detailed information on other steps to take in the wake of identity theft.
Internet Auctions
If you have problems during a transaction, try to work them out directly with the seller, buyer, or site operator. If that doesn't work, file a complaint with:
- The attorney general's office in your state. You can find your state Attorney General's contact information on the website of the National Association of Attorneys General.
- Your county or state consumer protection agency. Check the blue pages of the phone book under county and state government.
- The FTC.
Malware
If your computer gets infected by malware, notify your Internet Service Provider (ISP) and file a complaint with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Online Investing
If you've been a victim of online investment fraud, send your complaint to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, using the agency's Online Complaint Center.
Online Shopping Fraud
If you have problems during a transaction, try to work them out directly with the seller, buyer or site operator. If that doesn't work, file a complaint with:
- The Attorney General's office in your state. You can find your state Attorney General's contact information on the website of the National Association of Attorneys General.
- Tour county or state consumer protection agency. Check the blue pages of the phone book under county and state government.
- The Better Business Bureau.
- The FTC.
Phishing
Forward spam that is phishing for information to spam@uce.gov and to the company, bank, or organization impersonated in the phishing email. Most organizations have information on their websites about where to report problems. You also may report phishing email to reportphishing@antiphishing.org. The Anti-Phishing Working Group, a consortium of ISPs, security vendors, financial institutions and law enforcement agencies, uses these reports to fight phishing.
If you believe you've been scammed, file your complaint at ftc.gov, and then visit the FTC's Identity Theft website at ftc.gov/idtheft. Victims of phishing can become victims of identity theft.
Social Networking Sites
Encourage your kids to tell you if they feel threatened by someone or uncomfortable because of something online. Then report it right away to the police and the social networking site.
Spyware
If you believe your computer has spyware, the FTC wants to know. File a complaint with the FTC.
