How to report a scam
Forward scam texts to 7726, in the US and the UK. Then report it where you live, and to the organization the scammer pretended to be.1,2
| You got | In the US | In the UK |
|---|---|---|
| A scam text | Forward it to 7726, or use "report junk" in your messaging app1 | Forward it to 7726, free2,3 |
| A phishing email | Forward it to reportphishing@apwg.org4 | Forward it to report@phishing.gov.uk3 |
| Any scam | ReportFraud.ftc.gov1,4 | Report Fraud, if you lost money or were hacked: see below3 |
| Money lost online | Also file with the FBI at ic3.gov5,6 | reportfraud.police.uk or 0300 123 2040 in England, Wales or Northern Ireland; Police Scotland on 101 in Scotland2,7 |
If you lost money, call your bank or card company first. Checked 28 October 2026 against the sources.
If the scam used a real name
Many organizations take reports of messages that impersonate them. These addresses come from their own pages.
| Pretended to be | Report to | How |
|---|---|---|
| USPS | spam@uspis.gov | Paste the text without tapping the link, add your name and a screenshot showing the sender and date, and say whether you clicked or lost money.8 |
| The IRS | phishing@irs.gov | Subject "Text" for texts, "IRS" for emails. Phone calls go to the TIGTA hotline, 800-366-4484.9 |
| PayPal | phishing@paypal.com | Forward the whole email, then delete it. Report unwanted invoices from inside your PayPal account.10,11 |
| Amazon | reportascam@amazon.com | Customers can also use Amazon's self-service reporting tool.12 |
| A toll agency | ic3.gov | Include the number that sent the text and the website in it.5 |
| A dating match | The app or site where you met | Also tell the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.13 |
- Who contacted you.The phone number, email address, username or name they used, exactly as shown.6,5
- The message itself.Copy the text and take a screenshot that shows the sender and the date. Copy any web address, but don't open it.8,5
- What you did.Whether you clicked, paid or shared personal information.8
- Every payment.The date, the type of payment, the amount, the account or crypto wallet it went to and the receiving institution.6
Forwarding an email
Forward as an attachment
The IRS asks for scam emails as an attachment, or with "forward as attachment". A normal forward strips data it uses to identify the scammer.9
Send the email, not a copy of its text.
If money already left your account
How you paid decides who to call first. Call today.14
| You paid by | Contact right away |
|---|---|
| Credit or debit card | Your card issuer or bank, on the number on the card, and ask for a refund. |
| Bank transfer or Zelle | Your bank or credit union. Ask them to reverse the payment. |
| Payment app | The app. Report the payment and ask for a reversal. |
| Gift card | The card's issuer, on the number on the card. Keep the card and the receipt. |
| Wire transfer | The wire transfer company. Say it was a scam and ask for a refund. |
| Cryptocurrency | The exchange or crypto ATM operator, then the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. |
More scam examples
- Unpaid toll textA small toll, a late fee and a link.
- USPS package textA delivery problem and a redelivery fee.
- "Wrong number" textA friendly stranger who turns to investing.
- Job offer text and task scamEasy pay, then a deposit to get paid.
- Fake Geek Squad renewal emailHundreds of dollars, call within 24 hours.
- PayPal invoice scamAn invoice you never ordered, sent through PayPal.
- Fake bank fraud alert"Reply YES or NO", then a call.
- IRS scam texts and emailsA refund you weren't expecting, or a threat.
- Amazon scam texts and emailsA purchase or account problem that isn't real.
- Crypto romance scamA new friend with a trading app.
- All nine examplesThe home page, with every scam side by side.
Sources 14
- How To Recognize and Report Spam Text Messages (July 2022), Federal Trade Commission, Consumer Advice. Read 28 October 2026.
- Report a scam text message, UK National Cyber Security Centre. Read 28 October 2026.
- Avoid and report internet scams and phishing, GOV.UK. Read 28 October 2026.
- How To Recognize and Avoid Phishing Scams (September 2022), Federal Trade Commission, Consumer Advice. Read 28 October 2026.
- Smishing Scam Regarding Debt for Road Toll Services (I-041224-PSA, 12 April 2024), FBI IC3. Read 28 October 2026.
- Cryptocurrency Investment Schemes (I-100322-PSA, 3 October 2022), FBI IC3. Read 28 October 2026.
- Report Fraud: new service from City of London Police (4 December 2025), Serious Fraud Office, on GOV.UK. Read 28 October 2026.
- Smishing: Package Tracking Text Scams (last updated 19 May 2025), U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Read 28 October 2026.
- Report fake IRS, Treasury or tax-related emails and messages (reviewed 28 October 2026), Internal Revenue Service. Read 28 October 2026.
- How to report suspicious emails and messages, PayPal Security Center. Read 28 October 2026.
- What are invoice scams and money request scams on PayPal?, PayPal Help Center. Read 28 October 2026.
- 6 tips to help you spot and avoid scams impersonating Amazon, Amazon. Read 28 October 2026.
- What To Know About Romance Scams (August 2022), Federal Trade Commission, Consumer Advice. Read 28 October 2026.
- What To Do if You Were Scammed (June 2026), Federal Trade Commission, Consumer Advice. Read 28 October 2026.
Every example is rebuilt from an official alert and made safe, and every source shows the day we read it. How we check