The internet has made life more convenient—but it’s also created a playground for scammers. From fake job offers and phishing emails to identity theft and crypto fraud, online scams are more common than ever. Thankfully, there are reliable resources to help you stay informed, report suspicious activity, and protect yourself and others.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to the best scam-fighting tools and organizations available.
🔎 Where to Report Scams
1. Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
- Website: reportfraud.ftc.gov
- Purpose: Report any type of fraud or scam. Helps build federal cases and alerts the public.
- Bonus: They provide public scam trend data and newsletters.
2. Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3 – FBI)
- Website: www.ic3.gov
- Purpose: For internet-based crimes (email, phishing, extortion, hacking, etc.)
- Run By: The FBI’s Cyber Crime Division
3. Better Business Bureau (BBB) Scam Tracker
- Website: bbb.org/scamtracker
- Purpose: Report scams and view active ones in your area.
- Use it for: Business impersonation, fake services, refund scams.
4. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)
- Website: consumerfinance.gov/complaint
- Purpose: Report financial scams, banking fraud, credit reporting abuse.
5. State Attorney General Offices
- How: Google “[Your State] Attorney General Report Scam”
- Purpose: Handle local or regional scams including real estate fraud, contractor scams, etc.
📘 Where to Learn About Scams
1. Scamwatch (Australia-based, globally useful)
- Website: www.scamwatch.gov.au
- Details: Run by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC). Tracks current scams by category and region.
2. AARP Fraud Watch Network
- Website: www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork
- Ideal For: Seniors, caregivers, and families
- Features: Helpline, podcast, scam tracking, and prevention guides.
3. Have I Been Pwned
- Website: haveibeenpwned.com
- Purpose: Check if your email or password has been part of a data breach.
4. Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)
- Website: www.cisa.gov
- Use it for: Alerts on national cyber threats, ransomware, phishing campaigns.
🛡️ Tools to Protect Yourself
1. Password Managers
- Examples: Bitwarden, 1Password, Dashlane
- Why: Secure your login credentials, create strong unique passwords for every site.
2. 2-Factor Authentication (2FA)
- Tools: Google Authenticator, Authy, Microsoft Authenticator
- Why: Adds a second layer of security beyond passwords.
3. VPNs (Virtual Private Networks)
- Examples: NordVPN, ProtonVPN, Mullvad
- Why: Mask your IP address, especially when using public Wi-Fi.
4. Antivirus & Malware Protection
- Examples: Malwarebytes, Norton, Bitdefender
- Why: Detect and block suspicious activity or software.
5. Ad & Tracker Blockers
- Tools: uBlock Origin, Privacy Badger, DuckDuckGo Privacy Essentials
- Why: Prevent malicious pop-ups and tracking scripts.
🙋♂️ What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed
- Change passwords immediately — especially if you reused any.
- Report the scam using the resources above.
- Notify your bank or credit card provider if money was involved.
- Freeze your credit with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion if identity theft is possible.
- Tell others — your report might help someone else avoid the same trap.
Scammers rely on fear, urgency, and trust. The more you know, the better equipped you are to shut them down before they succeed. Use these resources to stay one step ahead, educate others, and protect yourself from becoming a victim.
Got a scam you think others should know about? Report it, share it, and stay safe out there.