How do I report a scam website?

Document the URL and a screenshot, then submit the case to a takedown platform like Fraudpol or to a national authority such as the FTC (US), Action Fraud (UK), or your national consumer protection body. Fraudpol additionally forwards verified reports to the hosting provider and registrar to disable the infrastructure.

Where can I report a scam website to Google?

Use Google Safe Browsing's report form at safebrowsing.google.com. That marks the URL inside Chrome and Gmail but does not take the site offline. To remove the underlying infrastructure, file a parallel takedown report via Fraudpol.

What is the difference between reporting to the FTC and a takedown service?

Government bodies (FTC, IC3, BBB) collect statistical data and may pursue criminal cases. Takedown services such as Fraudpol focus on disabling the abusive infrastructure: contacting hosters and registrars so the site disappears from the open web.

Can I report a scam website anonymously?

An account is required so the team can keep you informed about the status of your report, but your contact details are never shared with the reported parties or shown publicly.

How long does it take to take down a scam website?

Verified phishing and obvious scam pages can be neutralized within hours when the host is responsive. Complex cases involving offshore registrars or fast-flux infrastructure can take days. Pro plans include automated 24-hour follow-ups.

Is reporting a scam website free?

Yes. The Free plan on Fraudpol lets anyone submit abuse reports, track status, and access the community. Paid plans add managed takedowns, brand-watch radar, and forensic evidence vaults for security teams.

How to Report a Scam Website

A clear, four-step process for documenting fraudulent sites and getting the underlying infrastructure taken offline: not just flagged.

Submit a Report How Fraudpol Works

The 4-Step Reporting Workflow

Step 1

Capture the evidence

Take a full-page screenshot of the suspicious site. Save the exact URL (including the path and any redirect chain). If you received the link in an email or message, keep the original headers.

Step 2

Identify the abuse type

Decide whether the site is a phishing page, a fake shop, a scam investment platform, malware delivery, brand impersonation, or copyright abuse. The right report goes to the right place faster.

Step 3

Submit a structured report

File the report with a service that forwards verified cases to the hosting provider, registrar, or: when appropriate: to law enforcement. Include the evidence you captured in step 1.

Step 4

Track the takedown

A good reporting workflow keeps you updated as the host responds. The team behind the platform handles correspondence; you stay informed without chasing anyone.

Where to Report a Scam Website

Report in parallel: each authority handles a different layer of the response.

FraudpolInfrastructure

Submits verified cases to hosting providers and domain registrars to disable the infrastructure. You receive status updates as the takedown progresses.

File on Fraudpol

Google Safe Browsing

Adds the URL to the Safe Browsing list so Chrome and Gmail warn other users. Does not remove the underlying site.

safebrowsing.google.com

FTC / IC3 (US)

US Federal Trade Commission and the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center collect fraud reports for statistics and criminal investigation.

reportfraud.ftc.gov

Local Authority

Your national consumer protection body or cybercrime portal takes consumer scam reports. File there for legal follow-up; econsumer.gov collects cross-border cases.

econsumer.gov · reportfraud.ftc.gov · ic3.gov

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to file your report?

Submit a scam, phishing or brand-abuse case in under two minutes. The Fraudpol team handles the takedown correspondence on your behalf.

Submit a Report Reporting a phishing site? →

Doing it yourself: the complete process

Preserve evidence first: full-page screenshots with the address bar, the order confirmation, payment references and any emails with headers.
Find who runs the infrastructure: the registrar and the hosting network — see how to find the abuse contact.
Send the complaint: use the template in reporting abuse to a hosting provider.
Get a browser warning shown: report to Google Safe Browsing and Microsoft.
If you paid: call your bank, then file an official report in your country — see where to report cybercrime. A police report is a record, not a takedown and not a refund.