Report Scam Emails

Don’t just delete it…help stop the scammers!

So you spotted a scam email (nice work!).

Most people just delete it and move on. That’s fine, but did you know you can also report scam emails to help stop the bad guys?

It only takes a minute, and it makes the internet a little safer for everyone. Here’s how.

Step 1: Don’t click, reply, or download anything

Before we report it, do not interact with the scam.

Just leave the email as-is.

Step 2: Report it to your email provider

Different email services have a built-in “Report” button. Using it tells them to block and filter similar scams.

Gmail → Check the box next to the message → Click “Report Spam” (it looks like a stop sign with an exclamation point)

Outlook / Hotmail → Right click on the message → Mouse over “Junk” → Choose “Report Spam” or “Report as Phishing”

Yahoo Mail → Select the message → Click the shield icon → Choose “Mark as Spam”

This helps your email service catch more scams automatically.

Step 3: Forward the email to the government

In the U.S., you can forward scam emails to: [email protected]

This goes to the Anti-Phishing Working Group, which tracks scams worldwide.

You can also report it to the FTC (Federal Trade Commission): ReportFraud.ftc.gov

Step 5: Delete the email

Once it’s reported, go ahead and clear it out.
Think of it like taking out the trash — done and gone.

You Did It!

By reporting, you:

That’s a big win.

For a printable PDF version of this guide click here:

Next up on Work the Thing:
“How to Stop Getting So Much Spam in the First Place”

Because prevention is even better than cleanup.

Work The Thing