It’s happened.
You’ve been defrauded online — a victim of a scam. After the first shock comes anger, shame, and — in the best case — the question: “What do I do now?”

Many give up at this point. Or more precisely, a little before then. They think: it’s pointless anyway, the scammers will never be caught, and besides it’s all just embarrassing. But think about this: there’s a very important reason why you must file a report — regardless of whether any investigation yields results or not.

Why you MUST file a report

1. Your case is entered into the system
These scammers rarely work alone. They operate in teams, networks — and you never know when they might be caught. If your case isn’t logged in the system, the fraud “officially” doesn’t exist. However, if a report exists and they get caught in another case, your case might get linked to them. That significantly increases the chance that you will be vindicated.

2. With Bitcoin or crypto it is mandatory to file
It’s very important: if the scam involves cryptocurrency, a police report is required in order to submit the incident to certain international agencies (e.g., via the IC3 system). If you skip this step, you basically lose the chance for international bodies to handle your case.

3. You protect others
Every report counts. The more data there is about a scammer in the system, the higher the chance that others will spot the danger in time. You’re now a victim — but with your report you can help stop others from suffering the same fate.

4. You’ll know you did everything you could
Inner peace matters. When you file a report, you know you did what you could. You didn’t just let it go — you fought. And that matters when you process what happened.

How to file a report — step by step

1. DO NOT DELETE ANYTHING!
As soon as you realise you’re dealing with a scammer, block the person immediately—but do not delete any chat, image or message. Every piece of information is evidence. Every screenshot, every message, every transfer slip may count later.

2. Save EVERYTHING onto a USB stick!
Gather and save the following:

• Pictures and chats – photograph them! Some apps auto-delete messages after time, or the scammers may delete them once they sense danger.

• List of apps/platforms used – all apps or sites you used (e.g., Telegram, WhatsApp, Tinder, investment platforms, etc.)

• Payment receipts – bank transfers, PayPal transactions, crypto wallet addresses, all money movements

• Full chat histories – the more the better

• Timeline – write a detailed chronology!

You will need all this at the police station.

3. Call your local police station
It’s very important that all online scams are reported in person!
Call the police and request an appointment to submit the incident. Be prepared: this will not be quick – nobody does it in under two hours, because this is a complex crime.

Before you go to the police, it’s worth emailing the NCSC (details below).

4. Go to the police!
At the police station, tell your story simply, clearly and factually — as if you were explaining it to a child. The officers are not IT experts, and they may not be familiar with the platforms or methods.

Very important: do not talk about feelings, but about facts! Dates, amounts. Bring all the evidence.

The police officer is not a psychologist. If it’s hard for you to tell the story calmly and factually — (and that is entirely understandable!) — then reach out to us. We’ll help you so you don’t face this process alone.

Remember: It’s not your fault. The scammers are professionals, and they know exactly how to manipulate. But now you can take the next step — and we’ll help you.

AlertInsight helps you not only with prevention, but also when it’s already happened.

How we can help:

• We help you compile the documentation – we know what’s required and support you in organising the information

• We prepare you for the police conversation – with practical advice so you can present your case confidently

• We support your report to the NCSC – we assist with drafting the incident-report

• We provide emotional support – because we truly know what this feels like. You’re not alone, and it wasn’t your fault.

Contact us: support@alertinsight.ch
AlertInsight.ch – Because the online space is not a playground.

Report the incident to the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC)

Why?
Because the NCSC can check whether a specific website, app or software was indeed harmful. If they confirm you were the victim of a scam, the police will take your case more seriously. Furthermore, the NCSC can initiate its own investigation. ncsc.gov.uk+1

Provide:

• Email addresses

• Names of programs

• URLs of websites

• All available information about the scammer

📩 How to report the incident directly to the NCSC:
🔗 Online form: Report a Cyber Incident – NCSC report.ncsc.gov.uk
📞 Phone: Use the UK non-emergency number for advice (or local police line)
📧 Email: Not explicitly given on the main page but the form above is preferred
🌐 Website: www.ncsc.gov.uk