How to Report a Scam: A Step-by-Step Guide (From AARP’s Fraud Experts)

If a scammer calls, emails, or shows up at your door, your first instinct may be to just hang up and move on. That’s understandable. But reporting the scam is one of the most effective things you can do—not just for yourself, but for your neighbors and for law enforcement trying to stop these crimes.

AARP Virginia has issued repeated scam alerts in recent months covering everything from IRS impostor fraud to travel scams and product recall swindles. The message is consistent: report it. Here’s why, and exactly how to do it.

What’s Happening

Fraud targeting older adults isn’t slowing down. In early 2026 alone, AARP’s Fraud Watch Network warned about a surge in product recall scams, “we’ll buy your home” mailers, and a new wave of IRS impostor schemes. The scammers are adapting their tactics, but one thing remains constant: they rely on victims staying silent.

Reporting a scam—even if you didn’t lose money—helps authorities connect the dots. The details you provide can shut down a fraudulent operation before it hurts someone else.

Why Reporting Matters

Many people hesitate to report because they feel embarrassed or assume nothing will be done. But here’s the reality:

  • It protects others. Your report may be one of hundreds that help the FTC or FBI identify a nationwide pattern.
  • It can help you recover money. In some cases, banks and credit card companies require a police report to reverse fraudulent charges.
  • It builds cases against scammers. Law enforcement relies on victim reports to build evidence for prosecution.
  • It warns the community. When you report to AARP, they can issue alerts to warn other members.

Even if the scammer used a prepaid card or a spoofed number, your report still has value. Don’t assume it’s too small to matter.

What to Gather Before You Report

Before you pick up the phone or fill out an online form, collect as much information as you can. This makes the process faster and more useful.

  • Copies of any emails, texts, or letters from the scammer
  • Screenshots of messages or websites
  • The caller’s phone number (even if it looks fake)
  • Dates and times of contact
  • Any payment details: which method (wire transfer, gift card, credit card), amount, and recipient
  • Names the scammer used (often fake, but patterns help)
  • Account numbers if it involved a bank or credit card

You don’t need to have everything. Report with what you have.

Where to Report Fraud (Step by Step)

The best place to start depends on the type of scam, but you can report to multiple agencies. Each serves a different purpose.

1. Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
Go to ReportFraud.ftc.gov. This is the primary federal site for reporting any kind of scam, fraud, or identity theft. The FTC shares data with law enforcement across the country. You can file online in about 10 minutes. They will ask for details, but you can skip what you don’t know.

2. Local police department
Call your local police non-emergency number or go to the station in person. This is especially important if the scam involved identity theft, a home repair scheme, or if you lost money. The police report can be essential for credit freezes, insurance claims, or bank disputes. Tell them you need a case number.

3. State attorney general
Your state attorney general’s office handles consumer protection complaints. Many have an online fraud reporting form. They can pursue scammers under state law and issue warnings to residents.

4. AARP Fraud Watch Network
Call the helpline at 877-908-3360 (toll-free). The team is trained to help older adults and their caregivers navigate reporting. They won’t file a report on your behalf, but they can walk you through the process and connect you with resources. This is especially helpful if you feel overwhelmed or aren’t sure where to start.

5. FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)
If the scam occurred online, email, or over the internet, file a complaint at ic3.gov. This is for cyber-enabled fraud including phishing, ransomware, and online auction scams.

6. Your financial institution
If you sent money or shared account information, contact your bank, credit union, or credit card company immediately. They can help stop payments, freeze accounts, or dispute charges.

What to Expect After You Report

After filing, you’ll typically receive a case or complaint number. Keep that number in a safe place. It’s your proof that you reported.

  • The FTC and IC3 generally do not follow up on individual cases, but your information becomes part of their databases.
  • Local police may or may not investigate, depending on the size and nature of the scam. They may ask you for a follow-up interview.
  • If you gave money to a gift card scam, the FTC suggests calling the gift card company immediately—some have started refunding victims under certain conditions.

Reporting doesn’t mean an instant resolution. But it does create an official record that can matter months later.

Additional Tips

  • Keep copies of every report you file. Make a folder (paper or digital) with dates, case numbers, and contact information.
  • Monitor your accounts over the next few weeks for any unusual activity.
  • Share your experience with friends, family, and neighbors—especially those who might be vulnerable. Many people don’t recognize a scam until it’s too late.
  • Consider a credit freeze if you gave out personal financial information. It’s free and stops scammers from opening accounts in your name.

Sources

  • AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline: 877-908-3360
  • FTC ReportFraud.ftc.gov
  • FBI IC3: ic3.gov
  • AARP Virginia scam alerts, February–April 2026