How to Report Suspected Fraud

If you believe you were intentionally ripped off or you notice that someone may be scamming people, you should report the suspected fraud to make sure no one is harmed. You can do this by contacting local police or sheriff's deputies or your state attorney general's office with planning and concentration.

Call or visit your local police or county sheriff's department to file a criminal report and tell the department representative that you have witnessed what may be a case of fraud. Provide any names, phone numbers and addresses of individuals and businesses involved with the fraud, information about how the fraud occurred and whether anyone has been defrauded. Provide names and contact information for any victims and witnesses.

Call or visit your state attorney general's office. Call your state's fraud hotline, provide the other party with your name and contact information and information about the fraud you suspect. Be as specific as possible, including any names and how the fraud works.

Notify the local office the FBI about the suspected fraud for embezzlements or financial frauds. Call the FBI, provide the FBI representative with your contact information and what you know about the suspected fraud.