Privacy depends on where you report
FTC ReportFraud
The FTC says you can give as much or as little personal contact information as you choose, and that reports can be filed anonymously. Providing contact information may help if investigators need more details, but a report does not guarantee personal follow-up or an individual investigation.
FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center
The current IC3 complaint form requires complainant contact information. It also tells users not to include sensitive identifiers such as Social Security numbers or dates of birth in the form.
Your bank or payment provider
A provider generally needs to identify the affected customer and account to review a transaction or protect an account. Use the provider’s official route and ask how it protects submitted information.
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
The CFPB says its complaint process requires a name, email address, and phone number to create a secure account. This process is intended for problems with covered consumer financial products and services, not for anonymous scam tips.
Local police or sheriff
Anonymous-tip and report rules differ by location and type of incident. Use the agency’s official non-emergency website or contact route to check its current requirements.
Decide what information is necessary
- Choose the right organization first. A bank needs different information than a consumer fraud portal.
- Read the privacy notice and required fields. Do this before entering details.
- Share facts that help explain the event. Dates, payment methods, contact channels, and the name used by the sender may be useful.
- Keep highly sensitive identifiers out unless an official process clearly requires them. Never post them publicly.
- Save the report confirmation privately. Keep any report number or case number with your personal records.
If you are reporting for someone else
Rules vary. IC3 says a person can file on behalf of another person, while the CFPB explains that companies may require written authorization before responding to someone other than the customer. Never submit a complaint for another person without their knowledge and permission.
Official sources
- FTC: Reports can be filed anonymouslyFTC guidance explaining that the amount of personal information shared is up to the person filing. Last reviewed September 23, 2026.
- FTC: How to report fraudWalkthrough of ReportFraud and its optional contact-information step.
- FBI IC3 complaint formShows required fields and privacy instructions for cyber-enabled crime complaints.
- CFPB: Submit a complaintExplains contact-information requirements for financial product or service complaints.