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Fraud and Scam Victim Resources

Take action and find help with Remitly’s guide. Learn how to report fraud and scams and access support services worldwide.

Becoming a victim of fraud or a scam can be very stressful — both emotionally and financially. It doesn’t matter if it’s a phishing email, a fake job offer, or someone posing as a company you trust. When you realize you’ve been targeted, it can feel overwhelming. But keep in mind, you are not alone. There are ways you can act now to protect yourself and start feeling better.

This guide will teach you how to act quickly and find reliable support services worldwide.
Person checking bank account online

What to Do Right Away

1. Report it

Report the scam or fraud to your local law enforcement agency. Include details like phone numbers, email addresses, payment receipts, and screenshots. Reporting helps authorities possibly find the people responsible and helps stop others from being harmed.

2. Notify Your Bank or Payment Provider

If you sent money or shared your information, contact your bank, credit card provider, or the payment service you used. Ask them if they are able to stop or reverse the transaction. Also, watch your account for any unusual activity.

If you used a money transfer app, contact them directly. If you sent money using Remitly, please tell us what happened by reporting it through our help center⁠ (opens in new window).

3. Protect Your Accounts and Information

Update your passwords, starting with your bank, email, and social media accounts. If your country offers it, set a fraud alert on your credit report so lenders must verify your identity before opening new accounts. Regularly review your bank and credit card statements for any unusual activity, and report unrecognized transactions immediately.
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Where to Report a Fraud or Scam: Local Resources

Becoming a victim of scam or fraud can feel lonely, but you are not alone. There are people available to help. If you want to report what happened, get support, or help stop others from being harmed, here are some resources from different countries that can help you.

Australia

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) manages Scamwatch. Here, you can report scams, find out how to keep yourself safe, and access help such as financial and emotional counselling. Victims of scams, identity theft, or other cybercrimes such as email compromise can also get recovery support from the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) or speak with an advisor through their hotline. Free financial counselling is also available through the National Debt Helpline for people affected by financial loss.

Brazil

Banco Central do Brasil (BCB) – the financial regulator; takes complaints against banks/payment institutions for fraud (unauthorized Pix, phishing, etc.) via its RDR (Registro de Reclamações) system.

Canada

The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre outlines steps victims can take to report fraud and scams, limit further damage, and protect their identity. It includes guidance on contacting financial institutions and law enforcement, as well as how to document and report the incident.

Chile

The Servicio Nacional del Consumidor (SERNAC) handles consumer complaints and can be reached through its website's complaints section if your scam involved a purchase or service. For online fraud specifically, victims can go to the Policía de Investigaciones (PDI), particularly its Cybercrime Investigation Brigade, and it's also important to file a formal complaint with the Ministerio Público (Public Prosecutor's Office) to open a criminal investigation. Carabineros de Chile is another option, either in person or through its Comisaría Virtual (online portal). If your bank card or account was involved, Chile's Ley de Fraudes (Law 20,009) sets reimbursement timelines for banks (generally up to 10 business days for amounts under 35 UF). For informational purposes only; specific eligibility can depend on individual circumstances, so contacting your bank directly is the best way to understand your situation.

European Union

Victim Support Europe offers emotional support and guidance to victims of crime, including fraud and domestic financial abuse, in participating EU countries. The European Commission also offers country-specific information about victims’ rights and how to access help after a crime.

We’ve also highlighted services from a few EU member states that may be most relevant to our customers.

France

France offers several services for fraud and scam victims. You can report internet-related scams directly through THESEE, get cybersecurity and scam assistance via Cybermalveillance.gouv.fr⁠ (opens in new window), or contact your nearest police station for in-person support.

Germany

The website hilfe-info.de⁠ (opens in new window), managed by the German Federal Ministry of Justice, provides official information for victims of crime, including how to access emotional and legal support. You can find local police advice centers, call the national victim helpline⁠ (opens in new window) for confidential assistance, or report fraud and scams directly to police via Onlinewache portals.

Ireland

Citizens Information⁠ (opens in new window) offers independent support on money, legal, health, and other consumer issues, and can direct people to services like MABS (Money Advice and Budgeting Service)⁠ (opens in new window), which provides confidential financial advice for people in debt or facing financial difficulties. You can also report fraud and access dedicated victim assistance through your local Garda Victim Service Offices.

Italy

Scams and online fraud in Italy can be reported through the Polizia Postale’s online portal⁠ (opens in new window) or to the Guardia di Finanza⁠ (opens in new window). Victims of fraud can also access free support through Rete Dafne Italia, a national victim-assistance network.

Netherlands

Slachtofferhulp Nederland⁠ (opens in new window) provides free emotional and practical support to victims of crime, including fraud. You can report scams and fraud to the national Fraudehelpdesk⁠ (opens in new window), supported by the Ministry of Justice and Security, which directs victims to the appropriate organizations for further assistance. You can also file a police report through the Dutch National Police.

Spain

Spain provides a confidential and free cybersecurity hotline (017) through INCIBE⁠ (opens in new window). You can also file a police report online through the Guardia Civil⁠ (opens in new window). Victims of fraud and other crimes can access free legal, psychological, and social assistance through Spain’s nationwide Victim Support Offices⁠ (opens in new window) (Oficinas de Asistencia a las Víctimas del Delito).

Japan

The National Police Agency (NPA) manages several national hotlines for fraud and scam reporting including #9110 for police consultation and “0120-344-999” to report investment scams to the Japan Securities Dealers Association . You can also report scams anonymously at “0120-924-839.”

New Zealand

Netsafe – NZ's dedicated online-safety/scam helpline. Netsafe is New Zealand's go-to helpline for online safety and scams.

New Zealand Police – report fraud/scams (non-emergency 105; online reporting available).

Financial Markets Authority (FMA) – for investment-scam specific reporting.

Singapore

If you are targeted by a fraud or scam, tell the Singapore Police Force. The Singaporean government provides a dedicated resource for scam victims, including clear steps to protect yourself from further losses and tools to report scams quickly. It also offers community referrals for mental-wellbeing, counselling, and financial assistance for victims.

United Arab Emirates

The Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) gives tips on how to spot and stay away from scams in the UAE and steps you can take to report scams. You can also report cybersecurity incidents or online fraud through the UAE Cybersecurity Council’s official portal.

United Kingdom

Report Fraud is the UK’s main center for fraud and cybercrime. They may connect you with the National Fraud Victim Care Unit, which is a help option that gives you personal support. You can also access advice from the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) on how to respond and recover if you’ve been the target of an online scam, identity theft, account compromise or other cyber incident.

Find more UK specific scam resources here: What to Do After Getting Scammed (UK Guide) – Remitly⁠ (opens in new window)

United States

The Federal Trade Commission collects reports about fraud and scams. They partner with over 2,800 law enforcement groups.

AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline provides fraud and scam victims with action steps, emotional support from trained peers, guidance for concerned families, and referrals to law enforcement and fraud investigators.

Better Business Bureau (BBB) Scam Tracker allows you to report scams so others can be warned. Verified reports are added to a public scam database that helps people spot and avoid similar schemes. BBB may follow up for more details or route certain reports as business complaints when needed. Reports are also shared with law enforcement to help stop scammers.

Not Listed?

If your country is not on this list, first reach out to your local police or cybercrime unit. Be sure to also contact your bank or money provider.

Want to learn more about fraud, scam, and cybersecurity topics?

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