Skip to main content Skip to main menu Skip to footer

Report Fraud: Websites & Computer

Report Fraud: Websites & Computer

Decrease Text Size Increase Text Size

Page Article

How to report fake websites
  • Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Complaint Assistant
    This U.S Government services is designed to streamline the complaint process for every type of fraud.  You can file a complaint online, print a copy and get expert advise on what you need to do.  Topics cover everything that falls within Rip-offs, Imposter Scams, Mobile Devices, Telephones, Internet Services, Online Shopping, Computers, Education, Jobs, Making Money, Credit, Debt, Robocalls, Unwanted Telemarketing, Text, and SPAM. or call FTC Hotline at 877-701-9595
    Watch Video - How to report fraud to the FTC
  • Wire Transfer or Internet-Based Fraud (Cyber-Crime):  Contact the Internet Crime Complaint Center  - A partnership between the FBI and the National White Collar Crime Center.
  • Econsumer.gov
    This is where you can report international scams and learn about other steps you can take to combat fraud. Your complaints help consumer protection agencies around the world spot trends and work together to prevent international scams.
  • IdentityTheft.gov
    This is the federal government's one-stop resource for identity theft victims. The site provides streamlined checklists and sample letters to guide you through the recovery process.
  • For phishing websites, report to phishing@apwg.org (Anti-Phishing Working Group).
  • For international cases, report to local consumer protection agencies.

Notify the Website’s Hosting Service

  • Use WHOIS Lookup to identify the hosting provider.
  • Report fraudulent sites to the hosting company.

Warn Others & Share Your Experience

  • Post your experience on scam-reporting sites like ScamAdviser or social media.
  • Warn friends and family to prevent them from falling victim.

Monitor Your Accounts for Fraud

  • If you interacted with a fake website, check your bank and credit card statements.
  • Consider freezing your credit through AnnualCreditReport.com or placing fraud alerts on your accounts.
  • Change passwords immediately if you entered login credentials.


How to identify and report fake websites

Check the URL for Warning Signs

  • Look for misspellings, extra characters, or unusual domain extensions.
  • Be cautious of subdomains that imitate real sites (e.g., "paypal.secure-login.com" instead of "paypal.com").
  • If unsure, type the website name directly into Google instead of clicking on links.

Assess the Website’s Design and Content

  • Poor grammar, spelling errors, or awkward phrasing can indicate a fake site.
  • Look for outdated information, broken links, or missing pages.

Look for Verified Contact Information

  • Legitimate websites provide a physical address, phone number, and official email.
  • Check if the address exists on Google Maps.
  • If a website only has a contact form and no real details, be cautious.

Check for Secure Connections (HTTPS)

  • Ensure the website uses HTTPS encryption, indicated by "https://" in the address bar.
  • Avoid entering personal information on sites marked as "Not Secure."

Search for Reviews and Online Reputation

  • Look for reviews on trusted platforms like TrustpilotBBB, or Google Reviews.
  • Be cautious of websites with no reviews or overly positive feedback that seems fake.

Watch for Unrealistic Deals or Unsolicited Offers

  • If a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is.
  • Scammers often use fake discounts to lure victims.

Verify Domain Age and Hosting Information

  • Use tools like WHOIS Lookup to check when the domain was registered.
  • If a site claims to be well-established but the domain was registered recently, it’s likely a scam.

Final Thoughts

Fake websites are becoming more sophisticated, but by following these steps, you can protect yourself and others. Always double-check URLs, verify website details, and report suspicious sites to help prevent online fraud.



Page Footer has no content