Online Fraud & Scam Prevention- Report Online Fraud (2024)

FAQs

What is online fraud report? ›

The term "internet fraud" generally covers cybercrime activity that takes place over the internet or on email, including crimes like identity theft, phishing, and other hacking activities designed to scam people out of money.

After you file a complaint with the IC3, the information is reviewed by an analyst and forwarded to federal, state, local, or international law enforcement or regulatory agencies with jurisdiction, as appropriate.

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has the power to investigate and remove scam websites. It's free to report a suspicious website to us and it only takes a minute. By reporting suspicious websites, you can help us stop cyber criminals and protect others online.

It is generally best to file a police report on a scammer, reach out to your bank, and file a complaint with the appropriate federal agency as soon as possible after you have been scammed. To file a police report for a scam, you will need make a call to or visit the fraud division of your local police department.

Since fraudulent transactions over the internet normally cross state lines, they can be charged as a federal offense which carry more severe penalties than a state crime.

The information you submit to IC3 makes all the difference. Combined with other data, it allows the FBI to investigate reported crimes, track trends and threats, and, in some cases, even freeze stolen funds.

Thereafter, the IC3 may pursue preliminary inquiries and information from the complaint, along with other information developed at IC3, may be referred to a federal, state, local, or international law enforcement or regulatory agency, as appropriate, including the FBI.

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)

Do banks refund scammed money? ›

If you paid by bank transfer or Direct Debit

Contact your bank immediately to let them know what's happened and ask if you can get a refund. Most banks should reimburse you if you've transferred money to someone because of a scam.

Legal Recourse and Justice: The police can initiate investigations that may lead to arrests and legal action against the perpetrators. This not only brings about justice for victims but also serves as a deterrent for would-be scammers.

Don't answer personal questions, don't engage, and if you must respond, consider answering with a question like, “Who is calling?” If you believe that the call is not legitimate, don't be afraid to hang up: it's not impolite to hang up on a scammer.

When you report a scam to the FTC, investigators use your information to build cases against scammers. Other law enforcement agencies can see the reports, too, and use them to further their own investigations. Your story makes a difference.

Scammers use the latest technology to set up fake retailer websites that look like genuine online stores, using stolen logos and copied designs. Many of these websites offer popular brands of clothing or jewelry, or gadgets at low prices. Sometimes you may receive the item you've paid for, but often you don't.

The primary disadvantages of cybercrime include financial losses for individuals and businesses, theft of personal and sensitive data, damage to business or personal reputations, disruption of services (especially in critical infrastructure), and the psychological impact on victims, such as stress and anxiety.