Don’t Stay Silent: Report a Scam and Help Others

If you have fallen victim to a scam, you are not alone. Scams are becoming a pressing consumer issue as scammers are becoming more deceptive with their tactics. However, do not stay silent. Report scammers and leave online reviews about your experience to bring awareness among other consumers and to prevent future fraud.

This article will provide an overview of common scams and offer strategies when you’ve been scammed.

Key Insights

• According to the FTC, consumers lost $12.5 billion to fraud in 2024.
• 70% of consumers reported losing money when contacted by scammers over social media platforms.
• Losses from job scams and employment agency scams soared to $504 million in 2024, compared to $90 million in 2020.

The Most Common Scams That Trap Consumers

Below is a look at the most recent scams:

• Online shopping scams. The most common types of online scams involve fake websites, social media pages, or online shops. Often, scammers lure customers with deals that are too good to be true, but the items are never delivered or are counterfeit.
• Phishing scams. Scammers may reach out to you via email or text and pose as trusted organizations. Such email scams might also contain a link that installs malware on your device. Never click on suspicious links and report a scam.
• Investment fraud scams. Investment scams have become quite rampant. According to the FTC, consumers lost over $5.7 billion to investment scams in 2024. The most common ones include Ponzi schemes, misleading stock opportunities, and fake cryptocurrency investments. Beware of any investment “opportunity” that promises huge returns with little risk.
• Job scams. Job scams involve fake job offers whereby you are asked to provide upfront fees to be hired. The most common red flag for job scams is that they promise high pay for minimal effort or require payment for training materials. 

In one review, a job seeker shared scam on Indeed that they encountered. They applied for a job that had been advertised on the platform and were asked to pay $25 per hour for training. The HR was also not forthcoming with information about the company.

• Romance scams. With romance scams, scammers build an emotional relationship with you online, then ask you for money for an “emergency”. If dating online, anyone who avoids meeting in person or video chatting is a red flag. 

Signs That You’ve Been Scammed

Below are signs that you may have been scammed and what to do.

• You paid for a product, and it was never delivered. If the seller stops responding to you after you make payment, there is no tracking information provided, or the item is never delivered, it is likely a scam. In this case, it is advisable that you contact your bank or payment provider to dispute the charge.
• You feel rushed to make a decision or payment. Scammers typically use high-pressure tactics such as creating urgency and demanding immediate payment. If you notice this, take a step back and verify the legitimacy of the seller.
• An unauthorized charge on your account. Scammers may have successfully phished your financial information and used it to make a purchase. Or, an unscrupulous seller may have overcharged you for an order. As with the case above, you contact your bank or payment provider to dispute the charge or freeze your bank account, credit card, or debit card.
• You shared your passwords and other sensitive information with a suspicious party. Change your passwords immediately and enable two-factor authentication. Also, monitor your accounts closely for unusual activity.
• An online love interest asks for money. Stop any communication and do not send them money.

Why Reporting a Scam Matters

Many scam victims often feel embarrassed for falling victim and may feel ashamed to tell other people or report to the relevant authorities. Here is why reporting a scam matters:

• Prevents others from falling victim. Scammers thrive on secrecy. They are counting on your silence to continue scamming others. When you report, you create consumer awareness, helping others to avoid falling victim.
• Helps the authorities to detect and shut down fraudulent operations. When you report your incident to platforms such as PissedConsumer.com, FTC, and BBB, it builds evidence for authorities to investigate and shut down the scammer’s operations.
• Helps to hold scammers accountable. In some cases, consumer protection agencies may track the scammers and take legal action against them. 

How to Report a Scam on PissedConsumer 

PissedConsumer.com is a trustworthy platform for reporting scams. We are a consumer advocacy website that offers customers a space for their voices to be heard. 

By sharing your experience, you warn others and help them avoid similar situations. Reporting a scam through PissedConsumer also attracts publicity to your review. 

Here is how to report a scam on PissedConsumer.com:

1. Use the provided link to open our “Report a Scam” form
2. Start by providing your name, email, and age group.
3. Then, provide details of the incident on the form.
4. Submit the form.

Besides filling out the “report scam” form on PissedConsumer.com, you may also report scams with the following official agencies:

• Federal Trade Commission (FTC). While the FTC does not resolve individual scams, it plays a crucial role in collecting scam reports and taking action against fraudulent businesses.
• Better Business Bureau (BBB). Like FTC, BBB does not address individual scams. However, they collect scam reports and publish scam warnings.
• FBI – Internet Crime Complaint Center (FBI IC3 Unit). They investigate reports of cybercrimes, online scams, phishing, and identity theft. They also work with law enforcement to track down and prosecute criminals associated with these types of scams.
• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). They help consumers resolve financial scams such as credit card fraud.
• Your state Attorney General’s Office. They investigate fraud and take legal action against scammers operating in your state.
• Local law enforcement. File a report with your local police department or sheriff’s office. While they may not pursue the issue, having a police report gives you an added advantage when disputing charges with banks and credit card companies.

Your Voice Matters: Report Scams

Have you experienced any of the common online scams? It is normal to feel ashamed after being scammed, but do not stay silent. Reporting scams helps you stand up for yourself and protect others from scammers.