All

How Do You Report Investment Fraud to the SEC?

Learn how to report suspected investment fraud to the SEC, which SEC submission path fits your situation, and what details help support a securities complaint.

Direct answer

To report suspected investment fraud to the SEC, start from the SEC's official tip-and-complaint resources and use the online TCR or complaint form that matches the conduct. Include names, firms, dates, account details, documents, and a clear description of the suspected securities fraud or wrongdoing.

suspected securities fraud + official SEC TCR or complaint form = SEC report

What to gather before reporting

Person or firm name

Identifies the subject

Broker, promoter, company

Dates

Shows timing

Solicitation or trade dates

Account details

Connects the activity

Account, transaction, statement

Documents

Supports review

Emails, screenshots, contracts

Type of concern

Routes the report

Ponzi scheme, theft, insider trading

Detail	Why it helps	Example
Person or firm name	Identifies the subject	Broker, promoter, company
Dates	Shows timing	Solicitation or trade dates
Account details	Connects the activity	Account, transaction, statement
Documents	Supports review	Emails, screenshots, contracts
Type of concern	Routes the report	Ponzi scheme, theft, insider trading

Reporting is not the same as private recovery

An SEC report helps regulators evaluate possible securities-law violations. It does not guarantee personal recovery, a response about your specific account, or a private legal outcome.

Report the suspected fraud

1Confirm the concern involves securities, investment products, market misconduct, or related wrongdoing.
2Gather names, dates, account details, documents, and how you learned about the investment.
3Open the SEC's official tip-and-complaint resources.
4Choose the TCR or complaint form that fits the issue.
5Submit the report and save the submission number or confirmation for your records.

FAQ

Can I report securities fraud online?

Yes. The SEC encourages the public to submit tips, complaints, and referrals through its online TCR system and complaint form.

Do I need proof before I file an SEC complaint?

You do not need to prove the case yourself, but names, dates, account details, documents, and a clear description can make the report more useful.

Is an SEC complaint the same as a whistleblower tip?

Not always. The SEC has complaint and tip paths, and the whistleblower program has separate award and protection rules for qualifying tips.

Sources & method

We reviewed these references while writing this answer. Figures are estimates — confirm safety-critical work with a professional. Last updated June 7, 2026.