How to report an online scam (2026 guide)
To report an online scam, use the official reporting menu on the platform where the content lives, choose the fraud/scam category, and attach clear evidence (link, screenshots, messages). If you lost money, also report it to your local cybercrime unit and your bank. Official channels are the most reliable route to removal.
What evidence should you collect first?
Clear, contextual evidence materially raises the chance your report is actioned. Before you act, gather:
- The profile / page / channel link, username and ID where possible
- Timestamped screenshots (messages, promises, payment requests)
- Phishing links and the fake pages they lead to
- Any payment / transaction records and wallet addresses
Step by step: how to report a scam
- Verify: confirm the content is genuinely a scam or rule violation.
- Document: collect the evidence above into one organized file.
- Report officially: use the platform's "Report" menu and pick the correct category.
- Escalate: if money was lost, notify your local cybercrime unit and bank.
- Follow up: track the result; if rejected, appeal with additional evidence.
What is the official reporting channel per platform?
| Platform | Official route |
|---|---|
| Telegram | In-app "Report", plus the abuse address for scams |
| In-chat "Report" and block | |
| Instagram / Meta | Post/profile "Report" flow, fraud category |
Note: platform menus change over time — always follow the current in-app "Report" flow.
What if you can't get it removed yourself?
If the case is complex, involves many fake accounts, or the right category and appeal process are hard to manage, you can get help compiling evidence and reporting through official channels. See our solutions or get in touch.
FAQ
Where should I report a scam?
Start with the platform's own reporting menu; if you lost money, also report it to your local cybercrime unit and your bank.
What evidence should I collect?
The link, username/ID, timestamped screenshots, messages, and any payment records.