Where to Report a Dating Scam, by Country
Updated 2026-10-20
If a match or a service cheated you, report it in the right place. Always tell your bank or card provider as well if you paid anything.
By country
- United States: report to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
- England, Wales and Northern Ireland: Report Fraud went live on 4 December 2025 and replaced Action Fraud.
- Scotland: Report Fraud does not cover Scotland. Call Police Scotland on 101.
- Canada: use reportcyberandfraud.canada.ca or call the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre toll-free on 1-888-495-8501, Monday to Friday, 10 am to 4:45 pm Eastern time. If you were a victim, the Centre says to contact your local police as soon as possible.
- Australia: use the Scamwatch form run by the ACCC. If your personal or financial information has been stolen, Scamwatch says to contact your bank or card provider now and ask them to stop any transactions. If someone is in immediate danger, call 000.
- New Zealand: Netsafe takes reports of online scams through its web forms.
- Ireland: report fraud to your local Garda station. An Garda Siochana also says to report the matter immediately to your bank or financial institution if your account may have been used or compromised.
What to have ready
- The name and profile link of the person or service, and screenshots of the messages.
- Dates, amounts and payment method, with receipts or statement lines.
- The email address or phone number you used to sign up.
Do not forget
Reporting is separate from getting your money back. For refunds, contact your card provider and read our guide on disputing a dating site charge.
Sources checked
- FTC, ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
- Report Fraud, service goes live.
- Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, how to report.
- Scamwatch, report a scam.
- Netsafe, report online harm and scams.
- An Garda Siochana, fraud.
Questions
Where do I report online dating fraud in the UK?
In England, Wales and Northern Ireland use Report Fraud, which replaced Action Fraud on 4 December 2025. In Scotland call Police Scotland on 101.
Where do I report a dating scam in Canada?
Use reportcyberandfraud.canada.ca or call the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre on 1-888-495-8501, and contact local police if you were a victim.
Do I still need to call my bank if I report?
Yes. Reporting to a regulator or the police does not reverse a payment. Contact your bank or card provider as soon as you can.
More guides
- How to Spot Fake Profiles and Bots on Dating Sites
- How to Check if a Dating Site Is Legit: A 10-Point Checklist
- How to Cancel a Dating Subscription and Stop Recurring Charges
- Privacy on Adult Dating Sites: 8 Practical Steps
- How to Dispute a Dating Site Charge and Ask for a Refund
- A Charge You Do Not Recognise: What to Do