Interactive Scam Map
The BBB Scam Tracker website displays a real-time map showing where scams are reported. Filter by scam type, date, and location to see fraud patterns in your area before you become a victim.
Fraud Protection
What Is the BBB Scam Tracker Website?
The Better Business Bureau operates the Scam Tracker as a free public tool to collect, map, and analyze consumer-reported scams across North America.
Public Warnings
When a scam becomes widespread, the Better Business Bureau issues alerts based on Scam Tracker data. These warnings appear on the BBB website and are shared with media and law enforcement.
Fraud Trend Reports
The Better Business Bureau publishes annual and monthly reports using Scam Tracker data. These reports reveal which scams are rising, helping consumers and regulators stay ahead of criminals.
Step-by-Step
How to Report a Scam in 4 Steps
Reporting a scam on the BBB Scam Tracker website takes just minutes and can save others from losing money.
Visit the BBB Website
Go to the Better Business Bureau website and navigate to the Scam Tracker section. Look for the "Report a Scam" button, usually found in the top menu or homepage banner.
Describe the Scam
Provide detailed information about how the scammer contacted you, what they promised, and how much money you lost. The more detail you include on the BBB Scam Tracker website, the more helpful your report.
Attach Evidence
Upload screenshots, emails, text messages, and any other documentation. The Better Business Bureau uses this evidence to verify trends and assist law enforcement investigations.
Submit & Share
After you report a scam, your submission appears on the BBB Scam Tracker website within 24-48 hours. Share the report with friends and family to warn them about the specific scheme.
Important: The BBB Scam Tracker website is for reporting fraud and scams, not for resolving disputes with legitimate businesses. If a real company wronged you, file a BBB complaint instead.
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Common Scams Reported on the BBB Scam Tracker
The Better Business Bureau website receives thousands of scam reports annually. Here are the most frequently reported categories on the BBB Scam Tracker:
- Phishing emails pretending to be from banks, government agencies, or the Better Business Bureau itself
- Fake online retailers that take payment but never ship products
- Employment scams promising work-from-home jobs for an upfront fee
- Tech support fraud where callers claim your computer has a virus
- Romance scams building trust before requesting money
- Investment fraud guaranteeing unrealistic returns
- Impersonation scams where criminals pose as utility companies or IRS agents
If you encounter any of these, report a scam immediately on the BBB Scam Tracker website.
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BBB Complaint vs. Scam Report: Which Do You Need?
Many consumers are unsure whether to file a customer complaint or report a scam. Use this guide:
- File a BBB complaint when a legitimate business fails to deliver, overcharges, or breaches a contract. The Better Business Bureau will mediate between you and the company.
- Report a scam when a fraudulent entity deceives you, often with no real business behind it. The BBB Scam Tracker website documents these for public warning.
- Both if a real business uses scam tactics. File a customer complaint for the dispute and report a scam to warn others about the deceptive practices.
When in doubt, start with the BBB Scam Tracker website. The Better Business Bureau will guide you to the right process.
Prevention
Protect Yourself Before You Need to Report a Scam
Prevention is the best defense. Use these strategies from the Better Business Bureau to avoid scams entirely.
🔍 Research Before You Buy
Always check the Better Business Bureau website before doing business with an unfamiliar company. Read Better Business Bureau reviews and check for complaints or scam reports.
💳 Use Secure Payment Methods
Credit cards offer fraud protection that wire transfers and gift cards do not. If a seller insists on unusual payment, report a scam suspicion to the BBB Scam Tracker website.
🚫 Never Share Personal Info
Legitimate businesses and government agencies will not demand your Social Security number or bank details over the phone. Hang up and verify through the Better Business Bureau website.
⏸️ Take Your Time
Scammers create urgency to stop you from thinking. The Better Business Bureau advises sleeping on any offer that pressures you to act immediately.
📧 Verify Email Senders
Hover over links before clicking. Scammers spoof the Better Business Bureau and other trusted brands. When in doubt, visit the BBB website directly instead of using email links.
👥 Talk to Someone You Trust
Before sending money or sharing information, discuss the situation with a friend or family member. A second opinion often reveals red flags you missed.
How the Better Business Bureau Uses Scam Tracker Data
When you report a scam on the BBB Scam Tracker website, your information serves multiple purposes beyond public warning:
- Law enforcement intelligence: The Better Business Bureau shares aggregated data with FBI, FTC, and local police to support investigations.
- Media alerts: The BBB issues press releases about trending scams, using Scam Tracker reports as evidence.
- Policy advocacy: Better Business Bureau complaints and scam data inform lawmakers about gaps in consumer protection.
- Business education: The BBB website publishes guides teaching companies how to avoid being impersonated by scammers.
- Community workshops: Local Better Business Bureau offices host events using real Scam Tracker cases to educate seniors and vulnerable groups.
Every time you report a scam, you contribute to a safer marketplace for everyone.
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What to Do If You Have Already Been Scammed
If fraud has already occurred, take these immediate steps in addition to using the BBB Scam Tracker website:
- Contact your bank immediately to freeze accounts and dispute fraudulent charges.
- Report to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov for federal investigation.
- Report a scam on the BBB Scam Tracker website to warn your community.
- File a police report for documentation that may be needed by your bank or insurer.
- Change passwords on any accounts that may have been compromised.
- Monitor credit reports for signs of identity theft in the months following the scam.
For disputes with real businesses, file a customer complaint on the Better Business Bureau website rather than using the Scam Tracker.
Take Action
Report a Scam to the BBB
Your report helps protect others. Fill out the form below to document fraud on the BBB Scam Tracker website.
Got Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions About the BBB Scam Tracker
Answers about how to report a scam, what happens next, and how the Better Business Bureau protects your data.
What is the BBB Scam Tracker website?
The BBB Scam Tracker website is an official tool from the Better Business Bureau that collects and displays consumer-reported scams. It helps you identify fraud patterns, report a scam you encountered, and warn others in your community about emerging threats.
How do I report a scam on the BBB Scam Tracker?
To report a scam on the BBB Scam Tracker website, visit the Better Business Bureau website, navigate to the Scam Tracker section, and click 'Report a Scam.' Fill out the form with details about the scammer, how they contacted you, what they promised, and any money lost.
What is the difference between a scam report and a BBB complaint?
A scam report on the BBB Scam Tracker website documents fraudulent activity to warn the public and assist law enforcement. A BBB complaint is a formal dispute filed against a legitimate business for unresolved service or billing issues. If you were defrauded by a fake company, report a scam. If a real business wronged you, file a customer complaint.
Can I report a scam anonymously on the BBB website?
Yes, you can report a scam anonymously on the BBB Scam Tracker website. The Better Business Bureau allows you to hide your name from public view while still sharing the scam details. However, providing contact information helps the BBB follow up if law enforcement needs additional information.
What happens after I report a scam to the BBB?
After you report a scam on the BBB Scam Tracker website, the Better Business Bureau reviews your submission and publishes it to the public database. Law enforcement agencies access this data to identify trends. The BBB may also issue warnings or press releases about widespread scams. Your report helps protect others.
Does the Better Business Bureau recover money from scams?
No, the Better Business Bureau does not recover money lost to scams. The BBB Scam Tracker website is a reporting and warning tool, not a recovery service. For financial recovery, contact your bank, credit card company, or law enforcement. For disputes with real businesses, file a customer complaint through the Better Business Bureau complaints process.
Spotted a Scam? Report It Now on the BBB Scam Tracker Website
Every report a scam submission on the Better Business Bureau website helps protect your neighbors, family, and community from fraud. If you were scammed by a real business, file a customer complaint instead.
Report a Scam Today