Why reporting is worth your time
Reporting a scam broker does two things. First, it can trigger action that helps you or others recover funds or stop the operation. Second, your report adds to the warning lists and intelligence that regulators use to protect the next person. Even if your own recovery is uncertain, the report has value.
You do not need to be certain it is a scam to report it. Regulators would rather receive a report about a suspicious firm than miss one. Report what you experienced, factually.
Prepare your report
Before contacting anyone, assemble: the firm's name, website and any company/licence numbers it claimed; how you found or were contacted by them; the dates and amounts of every deposit; the payment methods used; copies of all communications and screenshots; and a short, factual timeline of what happened.
A clear, well-organised report is acted on faster. Stick to facts and dates rather than emotion, and keep the originals safe in case you are asked for more.
Who to contact, in order
1) The financial regulator — file with the authority the firm claimed to be regulated by, and with your own country's regulator (FCA, AMF, CySEC, ASIC, BaFin, CONSOB, CNMV, or your national body). Most have online scam-report forms. 2) Your bank or card provider — report the payments immediately and ask about chargebacks or recalls; time limits apply. 3) Your national fraud / cybercrime service (for example Action Fraud in the UK) and, where relevant, the police.
If you paid by crypto, tell the exchange you used and your fraud service — some transfers can be traced or frozen if you act fast. Note reference numbers from each report; you may need them when following up.
After you report
Keep copies of every report and reference number, and follow up if you hear nothing within the timeframe each body states. Regulatory action can be slow and outcomes are not guaranteed, especially with offshore operators — be honest with yourself about that while still doing everything you can.
Finally, guard hard against 'recovery' scammers who target reported victims with promises to get your money back for an up-front fee. That is a second scam. Only ever work through official channels: your regulator, your bank, and law enforcement.