In 2022 alone, online scams (Investment fraud) caused losses of over $3.3 billion according to the FBI Internet Crime Report. Fraudsters use tricks to steal money, personal details, and even identities. As more people shop, bank, and work online, scams have become more common and harder to spot. Falling for a scam can be stressful and costly. Knowing how to report a scammer is crucial to stopping fraud and protecting yourself and others.

This article discusses how to report a scammers bank account , how to retrieve lost money, and how to protect yourself from scams. You will learn about common types of scams, some of the red flags, and places to report fraud. By taking action, you can help stop scammers and keep others safe. 

Common Online Scams

Scammers use different methods to trick people into giving away their personal or financial data. Some common online scams include:
 

1. Phishing: These are fake emails or messages that are made to look like they're from real companies to steal your login details.

The phishing attacks increased by 47% according to the 2023 phishing report from Zscaler.

2. Fake Websites: Fraudulent sites disguised to look like real ones to collect sensitive data.

3. Social Media Scams: Fake adverts or profiles on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, etc., offering fake promotions or investment deals.

4. Investment Fraud: Scammers promising high returns at low risk to steal your money.

5. Business Email Compromise (BEC): Criminals fake as company executives or suppliers of a company to trick employees into transferring money.

Interesting read Online Payment Fraud: Everything You Need to Know

How Scammers Trick Victims

Scammers trick people by exploiting their emotions: fear, urgency, and trust. The following are the warning signs to look out for:

• Unsolicited messages requesting personal data or money.

• Emails containing sloppy grammar, strange sender addresses, or fake links.

• Deals that seem too good to be true and require immediate action.

• Pressure to bypass security steps or transfer money urgently.

Why You Should Report Scammers

Filing a scam report enables law enforcement to track down scammers and avert future crimes. Most of the victims do not report any fraud, hence allowing the criminals to continue with their activities. Proofpoint reports that Business Email Compromise (BEC) scams accounted for 27% of financial losses in cybercrime.

Reporting all instances of scams: whether phishing emails, fake websites, or fraudulent investment schemes and submitting an online scams report will give more chances of shutting down those operations.

Also read 5 Ways to Spot Small Businesses Fraud

Where to Report a Scammer

If you've fallen victim to a scam, Knowing where to report a scammer will increase the chances of the authorities taking action against the scammer or the scam. Here are some important agencies and platforms for fraud reporting:

1. Government Agencies

• Federal Trade Commission (FTC): Accepts online scammer reports related to consumer fraud.

• Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3): The FBI manages the center and collects statistics regarding scams that occur over the internet.

• Local Law Enforcement: File a police scam report for large financial losses or identity theft.

2. Consumer Protection Platforms

• Better Business Bureau (BBB):  You can report fraud websites and scam businesses at the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

• Cybercrime Forums: They are communities where users share alerts, and post comments and advice regarding scams.

• Social Media Platforms: Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram allow users to report scam websites and fake accounts.

3. Reporting Fraudulent Websites and Emails

If you visit a fraud website by chance, take action by filing a fraud website report:

• Use Google’s Safe Browsing tool or report it to Bing.

• Contact the hosting provider by using a WHOIS lookup.

• Report fraud websites to cybersecurity agencies for tracking and shutting down scam operations.

How to Report a Scammer Bank Account in Nigeria

If you need to report a scammer's bank account in Nigeria, follow these steps:

1. Report to the Bank

Contact the bank where the scammer's account is held. Provide details such as:

• Account number
• Account name
• Transaction details (date, amount, and reference)
• Any communication or proof of the scam

Each Nigerian bank has a fraud department. Call their customer service or visit a branch to file a formal complaint.

2. Report to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)

If the bank does not act, report to the CBN Consumer Protection Department:
📧 Email: cpd@cbn.gov.ng
📞 Phone: +234 700 225 5226

3. Report to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)

The EFCC handles fraud cases, especially if large amounts are involved.

Email: info@efccnigeria.org

Phone: +234 809 332 2644, +234 809 332 2645

Online Reporting: https://efcc.gov.ng

4. Report to the Nigeria Police (Special Fraud Unit - SFU)

For serious fraud cases, report to the SFU of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF):

Visit the nearest police station

Call 0803 123 4567 (Example – check local contacts)

5. Report to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC)

If the scam involves phone numbers or online fraud, report to NCC:

Website: www.ncc.gov.ng

Phone: 622

6. Use the Scam Alert Platforms

NIBSS Scam Alert Portal: https://www.nibss-plc.com.ng

FCCPC (Federal Competition & Consumer Protection Commission): https://fccpc.gov.ng

7. Social Media & Awareness

Many banks and law enforcement agencies respond faster when cases go viral. You can also tag official social media handles of Nigerian banks, CBN, EFCC, and police to get their attention.

Would you like help drafting a fraud report message?

Recommended: Scamming Methods in 2025

What to Do If You Are Scammed

1. Freeze Your Bank Accounts: Contact your bank as soon as possible to stop unauthorized transactions and get a fresh account number. 

2. Block the Scammer: Use email and social media tools to prevent further contact.

3. Report the Scam: Notify your financial institutions and authorities quickly.

How to Recover Your Lost Money

• Dispute Transactions: Request a chargeback if you paid with a credit card.
• Seek Legal Help: Consult with a lawyer if you lose a lot of money. 
• Keep Records: Save copies of all transaction details, emails, and reports.

Interesting read Detecting and Preventing Fraud Using Compliance Solutions 

How to Report Scams on the Internet

Do the following to make fraud reporting effective: 

1. Gather Evidence: Take screenshots of everything, save messages, chat logs and copy scam links.

2. File a Scam Report: File your online scams report with government and consumer protection organizations. 

3. Alert Search Engines: File a scam website report with Google and other search engines. 

4. Notify Your Bank: If money was stolen, dispute the transaction and request a chargeback. 

5. Notify Cybersecurity Agencies: File a report on a scam site with online fraud agencies. 

6. Contact the Hosting Company: Use a WHOIS lookup to find the hosting company for the website and file a complaint. 

What to Include in Your Report

• Screenshots and Links: Evidence concerning the scam. 
• Emails and Messages: Any exchanges/conversation with a scammer.
• Scam Description: How and in what way it is damaging. 

How to Protect Yourself from Online Scams

Reporting fraud websites and scammers helps minimize online crimer. Here are some tips: 

• Verify Websites: Before  you make online payment, validate that the website is legitimate. 

• Use Strong Security Measures: Change your passwords regularly and enable two-factor authentication. 

• Check Website URLs: Check for missing or extra characters or strange domain names

• Verify Security: Check that the site uses HTTPS and has a valid security certificate.

• Read Reviews: Before you buy online, search for customer feedback.

• Keep Software Updated: Regularly update your devices, browsers, and your antivirus programs. 

• Stay Informed: Follow cybersecurity newsletters and blogs to learn about new scam tactics.

You might like to read Account Takeover Fraud: Protecting Yourself from Online Theft

Stay Secure with Youverify

Falling into a scam can be quite frustrating, but the best is to learn how to report scams on the Internet to enable law authorities track them and protect others from fraud.

For the best online security and in preventing identity theft, consider Youverify's identity verification solutions. Youverify's AI-powered fraud detection, real-time ID verification, and compliance tools provide extra layers of security for businesses and individuals. Take a step ahead of the scammers by getting started with Youverify today!