One of the best ways to protect yourself from fraud and identity theft is to know what you’re up against. So, we rounded up some of the best online resources to help you stay a step ahead.
If you know how scammers may reach out and what they might say, you’ll be less likely to fall for their schemes.
With that in mind, we compiled a list of key government agencies and trusted organizations—all of which play a pivotal role in our scam-fighting community to alert consumers about scams, fraud, and identity theft.
Bookmark these resources, check them regularly, and share them with friends or family members—especially older adults who may be more vulnerable to scams.
The Better Business Bureau (BBB)
For more than 100 years, the Better Business Bureau has encouraged fair and transparent business practices. Not sure if a company is legitimate? Search the BBB’s database to find business profiles, ratings, and complaint histories. You can also use their Scam Tracker to report scams and see what types of fraud others are encountering in your area.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
The FTC is a trusted authority on fraud prevention. Their Consumer Alerts page is frequently updated with warnings about the latest scams, from phishing emails to imposter fraud. They also provide step-by-step recovery advice if you’ve been targeted by identity theft.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
As a national security organization, the FBI collects and shares data on crimes—identity theft included. The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) tracks theft and fraud online and releases an annual Elder Fraud Report that’s especially helpful in tracking trends among scams aimed at older Americans.
Your local State Attorney General’s office
Most State Attorney General websites provide consumer protection resources, including fraud alerts specific to your state. Many also offer online portals for reporting scams and identity theft directly.
Cybercrime Support Network (CSN)
The Cybercrime Support Network partners with government agencies and nonprofits to assist individuals and small businesses impacted by cybercrime. Their FightCybercrime.org site offers easy-to-follow guides on how to recognize, report, and recover from online fraud and identity theft.
We’re always here to help
In addition to these resources, we're committed to keeping you informed about the latest fraud trends and scams impacting our members. Stay connected with us and check back often for updates and advice:
