How to Get Help After a Scam: Trusted Agencies by Country
Author: Adam Collins
Scams are no longer just a nuisance—they’re a global epidemic. In 2024, Americans alone lost a staggering $12.5 billion to fraud, up from $10 billion in 2023, according to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Globally? Over $1 trillion gone, says the Global Anti-Scam Alliance.
If you’ve been scammed, first take a deep breath. You’re not the only one—and more importantly, there’s help. Around the world, government agencies are stepping up to support victims. Whether you need to report fraud, recover your money, or learn how to stay safe, this guide shows you where to turn—country by country.
Why Reporting a Scam Matters
Reporting a scam isn’t just about seeking justice. It’s about stopping scammers in their tracks and helping others avoid the same trap.
Here’s what government agencies offer:
- Easy Reporting: Most agencies have online portals to file complaints in minutes.Support Services: Many provide emotional support, financial guidance, and legal resources.
- Prevention Tools: Reports help agencies issue public warnings and build scam awareness.
A single report can help shut down an entire fraud network. It’s a small action with a major impact.
Where to Get Help: Agencies by Country
United States
Federal Trade Commission (FTC) – www.ftc.gov
- Report fraud, identity theft, and access step-by-step recovery guides.
Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) – www.ic3.gov
- Handles cybercrime like phishing, ransomware, and fake websites.
USA.gov – www.usa.gov/stop-scams-frauds
- A central hub for scam education and reporting options.
United Kingdom
Action Fraud – www.actionfraud.police.uk
- UK’s national center for reporting fraud and cybercrime.
National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) – www.ncsc.gov.uk
- Offers practical advice for dealing with malware, phishing, and online threats.
Australia
Scamwatch (ACCC) – www.scamwatch.gov.au
- Offers reporting tools, scam trends, and prevention tips.
Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) – www.cyber.gov.au
Focuses on cyber threats, identity theft, and personal security.
Canada
Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) – www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca
- Main platform for reporting fraud and learning about current scams.
Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) – www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca
- Investigates serious and complex fraud cases across provinces.
India
National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal – www.cybercrime.gov.in
- India’s main platform to report cybercrime, fraud, and financial scams.
Cyber Dost – x.com/CyberDost
- Government-run awareness handle offering real-time scam alerts.
South Africa
South African Police Service (SAPS) Cybercrime Unit
- Report scams in person or at www.saps.gov.za.
Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) – www.fic.gov.za
- Investigates financial crimes, suspicious transactions, and money laundering activity.
Quick Steps to Take After a Scam
Getting scammed can feel overwhelming—but fast action helps you recover. Here’s what to do:
- Save the Evidence: Emails, screenshots, receipts—everything matters.
- Secure Your Accounts: Change passwords. Enable two-factor authentication.
- Report It: Use the agencies above to make it official.
- Get Emotional Support: Don’t underestimate the stress. Many agencies offer free help or counseling referrals.
These steps not only improve your recovery chances—they stop scammers from doing it again.
How to Stay Safe from Future Scams
Scammers are creative, but simple habits can keep you ahead:
✅ Think Before You Click: Stop and verify suspicious links or messages.
🔎 Use Scam Checkers: Try ScamAdviser to check if a site is legit.
📢 Stay Informed: Follow official agency sites and social media for real-time scam alerts.
👨👩👧👦 Talk About It: Share scam tips with friends and family—they might be the next target.
Other Trusted Agencies Around the World
Looking for help in other countries? These trusted sources can also help:
- Netherlands: Fraudehelpdesk – A national hub for reporting fraud.
- Germany: Bundeskriminalamt (BKA) – Federal criminal police responsible for cybercrime.
- France: Internet-signalement – Report suspicious online content.
- New Zealand: CERT NZ – Government cybersecurity response team.
Key Scam Reporting Agencies Table
| Country | Agency | Website |
| United States | FTC | www.ftc.gov |
| United Kingdom | Action Fraud | www.actionfraud.police.uk |
| Australia | Scamwatch | www.scamwatch.gov.au |
| Canada | CAFC | www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca |
| India | Cyber Crime Portal | www.cybercrime.gov.in |
| South Africa | FIC | www.fic.gov.za |
Bottom Line: Take Back Control
Getting scammed doesn’t mean the scammers win. With the right support, you can report the fraud, recover your losses, and even help others avoid the same trap. Whether it’s the FTC in the U.S. or CERT NZ in New Zealand, trusted agencies are ready to help you take action.
So don’t wait. Report it. Secure your accounts. Spread awareness. Every click and call matters in the fight against scams.
Report a Scam!
Have you fallen for a hoax, bought a fake product? Report the site and warn others!
Scam Categories
Help & Info
Popular Stories
As the influence of the internet rises, so does the prevalence of online scams. There are fraudsters making all kinds of claims to trap victims online - from fake investment opportunities to online stores - and the internet allows them to operate from any part of the world with anonymity. The ability to spot online scams is an important skill to have as the virtual world is increasingly becoming a part of every facet of our lives. The below tips will help you identify the signs which can indicate that a website could be a scam. Common Sense: Too Good To Be True When looking for goods online, a great deal can be very enticing. A Gucci bag or a new iPhone for half the price? Who wouldn’t want to grab such a deal? Scammers know this too and try to take advantage of the fact. If an online deal looks too good to be true, think twice and double-check things. The easiest way to do this is to simply check out the same product at competing websites (that you trust). If the difference in prices is huge, it might be better to double-check the rest of the website. Check Out the Social Media Links Social media is a core part of ecommerce businesses these days and consumers often expect online shops to have a social media presence. Scammers know this and often insert logos of social media sites on their websites. Scratching beneath the surface often reveals this fu
So the worst has come to pass - you realise you parted with your money too fast, and the site you used was a scam - what now? Well first of all, don’t despair!! If you think you have been scammed, the first port of call when having an issue is to simply ask for a refund. This is the first and easiest step to determine whether you are dealing with a genuine company or scammers. Sadly, getting your money back from a scammer is not as simple as just asking. If you are indeed dealing with scammers, the procedure (and chance) of getting your money back varies depending on the payment method you used. PayPal Debit card/Credit card Bank transfer Wire transfer Google Pay Bitcoin PayPal If you used PayPal, you have a strong chance of getting your money back if you were scammed. On their website, you can file a dispute within 180 calendar days of your purchase. Conditions to file a dispute: The simplest situation is that you ordered from an online store and it has not arrived. In this case this is what PayPal states: "If your order never shows up and the seller can't provide proof of shipment or delivery, you'll get a full refund. It's that simple." The scammer has sent you a completely different item. For example, you ordered a PlayStation 4, but instead received only a Playstation controller. The condition of the item was misrepresented on the product page. This could be the