Where do I report a job scam in the US?
US rules and agencies as of 30 Oct 2026. Official links checked on 30 October 2026.
Report a job scam to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. If you lost money online, also file with the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). If your identity was exposed, use IdentityTheft.gov. Then report the posting on the site where you saw it, so others are warned.
Who to tell
| Where | When | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ReportFraud.ftc.gov | Any job scam, with or without a loss | The FTC's channel for fraud reports |
| ic3.gov (FBI) | Cyber-enabled fraud, especially money lost online | IC3 says to file even if you are unsure your complaint qualifies |
| IdentityTheft.gov | You shared SSN, ID or bank details | Report and recover |
| Your state attorney general | Optional | The FTC lists this as another place to report |
| Your bank or payment provider | Money sent | Call quickly; ask about reversing it |
| The job site or platform | Fake posting or profile | See below |
IC3 states that it will never contact you directly for information or money. Treat anyone claiming to be IC3 and asking for payment as another scam.
Prepare before you file
- Names, emails, phone numbers and website addresses used.
- Dates and amounts, payment method, receipts, wallet addresses.
- Screenshots of messages and the posting.
Reporting on LiveRec
Open the job and choose Report job, or open the company page and choose Report employer. Pick a reason and, if you wish, add details. Your report is private and our team reviews every report. See what LiveRec checks and the dedicated report a job page.
Step by step: reporting a job scam
- Stop contact and keep evidence. Do not delete messages. Take screenshots of the posting, profile and chats.
- Contact the company you used to send money, if any. The FTC says to report the fraud and ask for a reversal if possible. This applies to cards, payment apps, wire transfers, gift cards, cash reload cards and cryptocurrency.
- File at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. You can report even if you lost nothing.
- File with IC3 if you lost money online. IC3 accepts complaints from anyone who has suffered a cyber-enabled crime, and says to file even if you are unsure your complaint qualifies.
- Use IdentityTheft.gov if you shared your SSN or ID. The FTC says that if a scammer used your Social Security number, you report it there and follow the recovery plan.
- Report on the platform. Use the site's report option so the posting can be reviewed.
What happens next
IC3 says it does not contact complainants directly and cannot respond to every submission, and that any follow-up is at the discretion of the receiving agency. Do not wait for a reply before protecting your accounts. Change passwords on anything you shared and turn on two-factor authentication where offered, as the FTC advises.
Common mistakes
- Waiting until you are sure it was a scam. Report suspicions too.
- Reporting only to the platform and not to the FTC.
- Paying someone who promises to "recover" your money for a fee.
- Deleting the chat out of embarrassment. Scams happen to careful people, and evidence helps.
Reporting by payment method
The FTC advises contacting the payer immediately. Credit and debit card issuers and banks accept fraud reports through the number on the card or the app. For gift cards, contact the card issuer and keep the card and receipt. For cryptocurrency, contact the exchange or ATM operator. See what to do if you paid.
FAQ
Will I get my money back? Reporting does not guarantee recovery. It helps investigators spot patterns and may help you with your bank.
Do I need a lawyer? Not to file a report.
Can I report a scam if I did not lose money? Yes. ReportFraud.ftc.gov takes reports with or without a loss, and your report can help warn others.
What if someone claims to be from IC3 and asks for payment? It is a scam. IC3 says it will never directly contact you for information or money.
Sources
- FTC, Job scams: https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/job-scams (accessed 30 Oct 2026)
- FTC, ReportFraud: https://reportfraud.ftc.gov (accessed 30 Oct 2026)
- FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3): https://www.ic3.gov (accessed 30 Oct 2026)
- FTC, IdentityTheft.gov: https://www.identitytheft.gov (accessed 30 Oct 2026)
- FTC, What To Do if You Were Scammed: https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/what-do-if-you-were-scammed (accessed 31 October 2026)
Next step: If money was sent, act now.
This is general information, not legal, tax or immigration advice. Rules change and your situation may differ. Consult a licensed attorney or qualified adviser.