Reporting · US, UK, Canada, Australia
Where to report, and what reporting can and cannot do
Reporting rarely brings money back on its own — but it matters, and it opens doors. A clear-eyed guide.
By Stonebridge Resolution · Published 4 October 2026 · Updated 4 October 2026
The short answer
Report to your national fraud service and the platform involved. Reporting rarely returns money directly, but reference numbers support bank claims and help authorities connect cases.
Why report at all
Reports help authorities identify patterns, connect cases and sometimes freeze accounts. Many banks and platforms also ask for a police or agency reference number when reviewing a fraud claim. Reporting is also an act of taking your story back.
Common places to report
Exact agencies depend on where you live. Examples include:
- United States: the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
- United Kingdom: Report Fraud at reportfraud.police.uk (England, Wales and Northern Ireland), or Police Scotland on 101.
- Canada: the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
- Australia: ReportCyber and Scamwatch.
- The platform involved: social networks, dating apps, marketplaces and exchanges all have reporting tools.
Realistic expectations
Agencies may not contact you individually, and investigations can take a long time. That is not a sign your report was ignored. Keep your reference numbers with your records, and continue pursuing any bank or card dispute in parallel.
Checklist
- Report to your national fraud reporting service
- Report to the platform, app or exchange involved
- Keep every reference number with your records
- Continue any bank or card dispute in parallel
Common questions
Where do I report in the UK?
In England, Wales and Northern Ireland use Report Fraud at reportfraud.police.uk. In Scotland, contact Police Scotland on 101.
Will police contact me?
Not always. Lack of individual contact does not mean your report was ignored.