How to Report a Dating Scam (Step by Step)
Reporting a dating scam protects future victims and may help with financial recovery. This guide covers every reporting channel.
Where to Report
Report to all applicable channels:
- •FTC — reportfraud.ftc.gov (federal consumer protection)
- •FBI IC3 — ic3.gov (internet crime complaint center)
- •Dating app — report function with screenshots
- •Your bank — if money was sent, report for possible reversal
- •State attorney general — many have specific fraud units
- •AARP fraud helpline — 877-908-3360 (helps everyone, not just seniors)
- •Local police — file a report for your records
What to Include
When reporting, include: all communication screenshots, profile screenshots, any phone numbers or email addresses used, payment records and transaction details, timeline of the relationship and requests.
Why Reporting Matters
Only 15% of scam victims report. Every report adds data that helps law enforcement identify networks and prevent future victims. Reporting is not about you — it is about the next person.
Confirm the Scam Pattern
Evaluate your situation before reporting.
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Related Tools & Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
Will reporting get my money back?+
Reporting increases the chance but does not guarantee recovery. Bank transfers reported within 24-48 hours have the best chance. Gift cards and crypto are rarely recoverable regardless.
Is it too late to report?+
No. Report at any time. Law enforcement uses reports to build cases against scam networks, and your report may connect to others in a larger investigation.
About the Author
Ravi Shankar
Founder, GuyID · Dating Safety Researcher · 13+ Years in Data Analytics
Ravi Shankar is the founder of GuyID and a Principal Data Analyst with over 13 years of experience in data and analytics. He created the 2026 Dating Safety Survey and built GuyID's suite of 60 free dating safety tools to bring data-driven verification to online dating. His research on catfishing, romance scams, and dating manipulation has been cited across the dating safety community.
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