Report fraud
These are official offices. Reporting is free. Nobody legitimate will ever charge you to file a report.
Not sure where to go? For fraud involving federal money or federal benefit programs, start at America.gov/fraud. It sends your report to the right federal office. For a scam against you, use ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Or use our guide: Find which office to report to.
| What you found | Where to report it |
|---|---|
| Fraud with federal money or a federal benefit program | America.gov/fraud (sends it to the right federal office) GAO FraudNet, phone 1-800-424-5454 |
| Health care or federal benefit program fraud, where you have first-hand, original information | Justice Department Whistleblower Rewards Program (tips are sent through America.gov/fraud; any reward is at the Department's discretion) |
| Medicare, Medicaid, or health care fraud | HHS Office of Inspector General Medicare.gov: reporting fraud Senior Medicare Patrol, free local volunteer help, phone 877-808-2468 |
| Someone cheating on their taxes, or tax credit abuse | IRS Whistleblower Office |
| Social Security fraud | Social Security Office of the Inspector General |
| Scams, fake businesses, fake charities, or fraud against you as a consumer | Federal Trade Commission: ReportFraud.ftc.gov |
| A scam against someone age 60 or older | National Elder Fraud Hotline, 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311), Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern. About the hotline |
| Internet or computer scams | FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) |
| Scam text messages | Forward the text to 7726 (SPAM), then report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov |
| Unwanted sales calls | National Do Not Call Registry, phone 1-888-382-1222 |
| State or local fraud, fake charities, or consumer complaints | Your state attorney general. Find your attorney general |
| Any federal agency's own fraud office | Oversight.gov lists the Inspectors General |
What to include in a report
- What happened, in a few plain sentences.
- Who was involved: the company or agency name.
- When and where it happened.
- How much money, if you know.
- Your proof: copies of the public records and their web addresses.
Keep a copy of your report and any reference number you are given.
Ask Grok Bot to help you write it
Help me write a short, factual report for [office name]. Stick to what the public records show, list my sources, and do not call anyone a criminal. Here are my notes: [paste your notes].
On an iPad or phone, you can also press and hold the words, then tap Copy.
Getting records: public records (FOIA) basics
- The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) lets anyone ask a federal agency for records. Start at FOIA.gov: how to make a request.
- Every state has its own public records law for state and local governments (townships, cities, counties, school boards). In Michigan it is called FOIA; in Arizona it is the Public Records Law.
- Requests are usually free or low cost.
- Each law sets its own timeline. Federal agencies generally must answer within 20 business days (sometimes 10 more). Michigan offices generally must answer within 5 business days (sometimes 10 more). Arizona's law says records must be provided "promptly" but does not set a number of days.
- You usually do not have to say why you want the records. In Arizona, you must state whether the records are for a commercial (business) purpose. Our sample letter includes that line.
See a sample records request letter
Not sure where your report can be anonymous? See Can I report without giving my name?
Be careful: Only report what you honestly believe is true. Never make up details. False reports can get you in legal trouble and hurt innocent people. Send your report to the office, not to social media.