How to Report Internet Crime

There is no national agency that deals with every type of Internet crime, so local law enforcement is generally your best resource. If you have any information about a missing child, call 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678).

If there is an immediate personal threat of harm to your child:

Call 911

To report an emergency involving kids on the Internet:

Contact the police headquarters nearest you.
If the case involves a missing child or you are worried that a child is being sexually exploited, contact The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children’s (NCMEC) CyberTipline or call 1-800-THE-LOST (843-5678).

To report incidents of unsolicited obscene material sent to a child or to report child sexual exploitation, including child pornography, online enticement of children for sexual acts, child prostitution, child-sex tourism, and child sexual molestation

Contact The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children’s (NCMEC) CyberTipline or call 1-800-THE LOST (843-5678).

To report a misleading domain name:

It is a federal offense to use a misleading domain name on the Internet with the intent to deceive a minor into viewing material that is harmful to minors. Report the use of a misleading domain name that has directed a child to a web site containing harmful materials to children by contacting NCMEC's CyberTipline or call 1-800-THE LOST (843-5678).

Many times Internet crimes fall under federal jurisdiction. In a situation that is not an emergency in which you encounter some criminal activity, consider contacting law enforcement agencies at the federal level.

To report Internet fraud:

A complaint can be filed at Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)

To report obscenity that has not been accessed by a child on the Internet:

File a report at obscenitycrimes.org.

If you encounter child pornography -- sexually explicit material involving minors:

Please contact your Crimes Against Children Coordinator at your local FBI Field Office or contact the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children's (NCMEC) CyberTipline. IMPORTANT: Downloading or making a copy of child pornography for any reason, even to provide it as evidence to law enforcement, is a crime in the United States. If you run across what you believe to be child pornography, you should record the URL (Web address) and report only that to law enforcement.

Although not a crime, offensive email may be reported in the following manner:

Notify your Internet Service Provider
Forward the email with the full header revealed to your Internet Service Provider