how to report a scam to the attorney general

by Gonzalo Bergstrom IV 7 min read

  • Submit an online complaint (English or Spanish)
  • Print and email a completed form to [email protected] (link sends email) or fax it to (602)-542-4579
  • Mail or deliver a completed form to either location below: Office of the Attorney General, Consumer Information and Complaints 2005 N Central Ave Phoenix, AZ 85004 Office of the Attorney ...

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Contact the FBI at (202) 324-3000, or online at www.fbi.gov or tips.fbi.gov. Contact the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General at 1-800-HHS-TIPS, or online at www.oig.hhs.gov.Feb 28, 2022

Full Answer

How do I report a scam or scammer?

If you are the victim of a scam and need help, please use the consumer complaint form. To report a scam you have seen, use the form below. Please include: Contact information for the business; As much detail about the scam as possible; File Anonymously: If you would like to remain anonymous, simply write "anonymous" in the required fields. If you do not wish to submit a …

How do I report fraud in the US?

If you feel you're the subject of a scam, simply cut off communication and then file a complaint with us. File a Consumer Complaint Online File a Complaint with Texas Attorney General's office

How do I file a complaint with the PA Attorney General?

File a fraud allegation report online » Call the DHS Fraud Hotline at 1-888-372-8301 (8:00 am to 5:00 pm Pacific Time) Fax your written complaint to 503-373-1525.

How can I get legal advice about fraud?

Submit a Complaint. The Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General receives more than 50,000 complaints and referrals each year, which allows us to fight on your behalf. You can submit a complaint online or by printing out and sending a form into our office. The more information you provide, the better we can help you.

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How do I report a scammer?

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is the main agency that collects scam reports. Report the scam to the FTC online, or by phone at 1-877-382-4357 (9:00 AM - 8:00 PM, ET). The FTC accepts complaints about most scams, including these popular ones: Phone calls.

What can you do if you get scammed out of money?

Contact the company or bank that issued the credit card or debit card. Tell them it was a fraudulent charge. Ask them to reverse the transaction and give you your money back.

Can I anonymously report a scammer?

Yes, you may remain anonymous.

Is scamming a federal crime?

Wire fraud is a federal crime that involves any scheme to defraud another person or party by means of electronic communication. It can take many forms including telemarketing fraud, internet scams, phishing, or fraudulent schemes that use television or radio.

Can I recover money from a scammer?

Consider filing a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission. If you've been a victim of fraud, identity theft or deceptive business practices, filing a consumer complaint with the FTC may be a good option for you to potentially recover money from a scammer.

Can I get my money back if I was scammed on Cash App?

Getting a Cash App refund is not guaranteed. Cash App is a peer-to-peer transfer platform, so for successful transfers, even if it's to the wrong person, you can only request a refund from the person who received your money. Another possibility is to cancel the payment before it is finalized.

Should I report a scammer to the police?

It is generally best to file a police report on a scammer, reach out to your bank, and file a complaint with the appropriate federal agency as soon as possible after you have been scammed. To file a police report for a scam, you will need make a call to or visit the fraud division of your local police department.

Does filing a complaint with the FTC do anything?

The FTC cannot resolve individual complaints, but it can provide information about what steps to take. The FTC says that complaints can help it and its law enforcement partners detect patterns of fraud and abuse, which may lead to investigations and stopping unfair business practices.

Do banks refund scammed money?

In May 2019, half of the banks agreed to abide by a new code of practice called the contingent reimbursement model (CRM). It is designed to give victims fairer and more consistent redress, and to refund those who have complied with certain obligations before and during the payment process.

What is the punishment for online scamming?

A perpetrator of computer or Internet fraud may be found guilty of a felony and face a fine of up to $250,000 and/or up to 20 years in jail. Often, those charged with computer and/or Internet fraud are also charged with wire fraud, mail fraud, conspiracy, identity theft, or other white collar crimes.

What happens if I get scammed?

If you've been scammed, consider reporting the fraud to the police to see if they can take any action, as well as to your state consumer protection office. You can also report scams to the FTC. File a report online with the FTC, or by phone at (877) 382-4357.

What are the three types of frauds?

The 3 Main Types of FraudAsset misappropriation.Bribery and corruption.Financial statement deception.

Where to contact the FBI about disaster fraud?

National Center for Disaster Fraud. Baton Rouge, LA 70821-4909. General Fraud and Other Criminal Matters. Contact the FBI at (202) 324-3000, or online at www.fbi.gov or tips.fbi.gov. Health Care Fraud, Medicare/Medicaid Fraud, and Related Matters. Contact the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General ...

How to contact the Securities and Exchange Commission?

Contact the Securities and Exchange Commission at 1-800-SEC-0330, or online at www.sec.gov or www.sec.gov/complaint/select.shtml. State and Local Fraud. Contact your local Police Department or State Attorney General's Office. Updated November 16, 2020.

How to contact the FTC?

Contact the Federal Trade Commission at 1-877-FTC-HELP, 1-877-ID-THEFT , or online at www.ftc.gov. Disaster-Related Fraud. Contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud at ( 866) 720 - 5721, by fax at (225) 334-4707 or submit a complaint through the NCDF Web Complaint Form. Correspondence may be sent to:

What is the Fraud Section?

The Fraud Section conducts criminal prosecutions and cannot provide legal advice to citizens. If you would like to report fraud, please contact the appropriate investigative agency as follows: Consumer Fraud and Identity Theft.

Why do scammers demand payment on fake debts?

Scammers will demand payment on fake debts because a few people will be scared into paying. Real, legitimate creditors will be able to produce proof that a debt exists in the first place. If the debt is real and you weren't aware of it, you may be the victim of identity theft. Learn more about Debt Collection Scams.

What is a scam called when you call your grandparent?

Emergency Scams. Sometimes called Grandparent Scams, these scams involve calls or emails from someone claiming to be your friend or family member in dire need. They are trying to prey on your emotions by inventing a situation that you must respond to immediately – with your money.

What to do if you get a door to door offer?

Beware of unsolicited door-to-door home improvement offers. If it is a one-time offer—"available only today!"—or a special deal on materials left over from another job, be very cautious. If your home needs repairs, your best bet is to call a few home repair companies in your area and then check their references.

Is a cashier's check a scam?

This may also be called anoverpayment scam.” It looks like the real thing: A cashier's check drawn on a familiar bank is as good as gold, right? Wrong. The counterfeit checks in circulation today are high-quality forgeries. They might even fool your bank at first. You are asked to deposit their cashier’s check into your bank, keep some of the funds, and wire back the rest of the payment you owe – for a job, sweepstakes fees, online transaction, or more. Sometimes the excuse is they “accidentally” paid you too much and so need a refund.

Do you have to pay transaction fees to collect windfall?

First, you must pay their "transaction fees.". Anytime you have to send money to collect a huge windfall, you should STOP in your tracks. The dream of a huge sum of money is very alluring, but there is no money. It's fake.

What is Nigerian fraud?

Sometimes known as Nigerian Fraud, a "government minister" (or his widow), a lawyer representing a deceased client from a foreign country, or a business owner wants to deposit money from a foreign country in your bank account. There are many variations on the same theme but they all have a similar catch.

How to find out if you owe the IRS?

If you think you really may owe on your taxes, go to the official IRS website to find a real IRS phone number to contact to confirm. You probably would have received letters from them first if you really owe money.

What is scam alert?

The Scam Alert Network provides up-to-the-minute information about scams, frauds and other threats to consumers. Click the link below and enter your email address to be added to the network. We won’t share your email address, and we’ll only send scam alerts.

Who is the Attorney General of Oregon?

Fighting elder abuse is a top priority for the Oregon Department of Justice (DOJ) and Attorney General Ellen F. Rosenblum.

What happens if you send a complaint for informational purposes only?

If the complaint was sent for informational purposes only, you’ll receive a letter of thanks.

What happens after a complaint is filed?

If the complaint falls under the DOJ’s jurisdiction, it will be assigned to an enforcement officer. The officer will send you further information, including a file number and a copy of the letter sent to the business that is the subject of the complaint .

What is the number to call for elder abuse in Oregon?

1-855-503-SAFE (7233) or on the DHS website ». If it is an emergency please dial 9-1-1. Victims of elder abuse may be slow to recognize and report the abuse. Learn more about the warning signs of elder abuse » and about what Oregon’s Attorney General is doing to combat elder abuse ».

Is Oregon a consumer complaint database?

Oregon’s Consumer Complaint Database » is built from consumer contacts since January 1, 2008 and is for information only. It may not offer a complete, accurate or comprehensive account of every incident. Several factors, including a company’s size and volume of transactions, may affect the likelihood of a complaint being filed.

What is a scam call?

Most common scams: A scam telephone call saying you owe “back taxes” or outstanding payments due to the government, typically from callers claiming to be “Internal Revenue Service”, “IRS”, and “US Treasury and Legal Affairs.”. Don’t respond to these callers.

How to get alerts about Vermont scams?

Knowledge is power. Sign up to receive instant alerts by text, voice or e-mail message from the Attorney General about new scams as they hit Vermont. Find information on common scams on this website, our Facebook page, or the FTC Scam Alerts site. Stay informed to protect yourself and others!

Can you give out your personal information to a caller?

Never give out your personal information to a caller! Scammers claiming to be a grandchild, friend/relative or romantic interest contact consumer, reportedly in distress and needing money to be wired or transmitted with a reloadable card, gift card (like iTunes), PayPal account payment, cash or check/money order.

What if you won something, they should pay you?

If you won something, they should pay you, not the other way around! Medical Products and Supplies, Insurance and Prescription Scams. Callers claim to be with Medicare or Medicaid, seeking personal information or claiming they are the authorized provider of medical supplies, prescriptions or other services.

What to do if you get harassed by a debt collector?

Calls from fake debt collectors making threats, including lawsuit, wage garnishment, and arrest. Most attempt to collect nonexistent debts and even make claims that utilities will be disconnected if payment is not made immediately. Never pay a harassing collector over the phone; demand proof of the debt in writing and verify the debt with the original creditor! If you are concerned about possible disconnection, hang up and contact the vendor directly!

What is phishing scam?

In the most common phishing scams, the perpetrator claims to be calling from a person’s bank and requires account information to re-activate their account.

What is the number to call to check if you owe back taxes?

Don’t respond to these callers. If you think you may actually owe back taxes, hang up and contact the IRS directly at 1 (800) 829-1040. Caller or pop-up message on computer which claims to be from Microsoft/Windows or other tech company claiming there is a virus or other serious problem with your computer.

What do you do when you are sued?

File lawsuits on your behalf or on behalf of individual consumers. Bring criminal charges for deceptive practices. Provide legal counsel or interpretations of the law to individuals. Routinely resolve individual complaints.

Is a complaint filed with the Consumer Protection Division open?

Complaints filed with the Consumer Protection Division are potentially an open record. This means any member of the public may file an open records request and view your complaint.

Does filing a complaint mean we represent you?

Please note: Filing a complaint does not mean that our office represents you in. any legal proceeding. You will receive a confirmation email once your complaint is successfully submitted. However, this does not mean that a case or investigation is open with the Consumer Protection Division.

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