The Consular Section receives regular inquiries about various international scams. Unfortunately, the U.S. Embassy cannot investigate international financial scams, although the Consular Section can provide resources to victims.
Indicators of Fraud
The Consular Section would like to alert you to the indicators of some common scams and actions you should take, before you become a victim. Please review these brochures provided by the U.S. Department of State:
Resources for Victims
If you feel you have been a victim of an Internet scam, please consult the publications below for help.
Reporting the Scam
Victims are encouraged to report fraud to the following U.S. authorities:
- File a financial loss complaint online with the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).This organization is a partnership of the National White Collar Crime Center and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
- If you have suffered a significant financial loss, contact your local Secret Service field office. Any investigation regarding this type of fraud will be conducted on a case by case basis at the discretion of the local Secret Service and U.S. Attorney’s Office.
- Report Internet fraud to the Federal Trade Commission online or by phone, toll-free, at 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357).
- If the U.S. mail was used in the fraud scheme – even if it originated by telephone or on the Internet – file a complaint with the U.S. Postal Inspector.
- If the scam originated through a particular website, notify the administrators of that website.
Victims are also encouraged to report fraud to the local authorities overseas:
- If the scam took place in Mali, please notify the local Malian authorities.
- If you believe the perpetrator is in Mali, contact The Embassy of Mali in Washington, D.C. or the State Department’s Office of Overseas Citizens Services at 1-888-407-4747.
For more detailed information on international financial scams, please visit the U.S Department of State’s website.
