How to File a Complaint with the FTC
Quick Answer
The FTC complaint process is straightforward. This guide covers what to prepare, how to submit, and what to expect after filing.
When to File with the FTC
File an FTC complaint for:
- Online fraud, scams, or deceptive practices
- Unwanted telemarketing or robocalls
- Identity theft
- Credit and debt scams
- Business fraud or deceptive advertising
- Privacy violations by businesses
- Any consumer fraud you want on the official federal record
For financial company complaints (banks, credit cards, debt collectors), the CFPB at consumerfinance.gov/complaint is often more effective because it requires the company to respond directly.
What to Prepare
Before starting your report, gather:
- The name of the company or person involved
- Contact information (phone number, website, email, address if known)
- A clear description of what happened and when
- How much money was involved, if any
- How you paid (credit card, wire transfer, gift cards, etc.)
- Any confirmation numbers, screenshots, or documents
How to File
Online: ReportFraud.ftc.gov
Phone: 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357)
The online form walks you through a series of questions about what happened. At the end, you receive a confirmation number and personalised next steps based on the type of fraud you reported.
For identity theft, the FTC has a dedicated tool at IdentityTheft.gov that provides a full recovery plan and generates an official FTC Identity Theft Report.
What Happens After You File
Your report enters the Consumer Sentinel Network, a secure database accessible to more than 3,000 law enforcement agencies including the FTC, FBI, state attorneys general, and international partners.
What the FTC does with reports:
- Analysts identify patterns of fraud against many consumers
- High-volume complaints against specific companies trigger investigations
- Enforcement actions may result in refunds to affected consumers
- Consumer alert bulletins warn the public about emerging scams
What you receive:
- A confirmation number immediately
- Personalised next steps relevant to your specific situation
- No personal case investigation or follow-up in most instances