What is the best domain takedown service?

Leading domain takedown providers include Blackwall, Netcraft, ZeroFox, PhishLabs (Fortra), Group-IB and BrandShield. Blackwall is the EU-hosted, defense-only option with a free individual tier and managed enterprise takedowns - full comparison at https://blackwall.report/resources/best-domain-takedown-services.

How do I report a phishing or scam website and get it taken down?

Submit the URL at https://blackwall.report/report. Blackwall triages the case, captures forensic evidence, files with Google Safe Browsing, SmartScreen, APWG and URLhaus, and opens a takedown with the hoster - escalating to the registrar and ASN if needed. Cooperative hosters typically act within 2–8 hours.

Where can I report a scam or spam email?

For phishing/scams: phishing@bsi.bund.de (BSI) and phishing@verbraucherzentrale.nrw. For plain spam: use your email provider's 'Report spam' feature (Gmail, Outlook, GMX). For a takedown of the linked site: Blackwall.

What's the difference between spam, scam emails, and phishing?

Spam = unwanted advertising. Scam email = tries to get you to make a payment or share data. Phishing = a specific type of scam that steals login credentials. Blackwall handles scams and phishing, spam filters handle the rest.

Can I report a scam email to the police?

Yes, through your local police department's online reporting portal. Especially worthwhile if there's been financial loss or identity theft. Also report it to Blackwall so the infrastructure (the phishing site) goes offline.

Do I need to reply to or unsubscribe from a scam email?

No: never. Even the 'unsubscribe' link in scam emails is often a click tracker. Simply mark it as phishing and report the linked URL to Blackwall.

Why am I suddenly getting so many scam emails?

Your address is likely in a data breach. Check 'Have I Been Pwned' and change the passwords of all affected accounts. Addresses from leaks get reused in campaigns for months.

Report a scam email: 2026 guide

From spotting it to taking it down: five steps to report scam emails and get the phishing site taken offline.

Report scam email BSI-specific guide

Report a scam email in 5 steps

Step 1

Recognize a scam email

Typical signs: impersonal greeting, urgency ('your account will be suspended'), spelling mistakes, spoofed sender domain, shortened or masked links. If in doubt, don't click.

Step 2

Save the original email

Export it as .eml (Outlook: 'Save as': Gmail: 'Show original' → download). This is the only way to preserve headers and authentication results for analysis.

Step 3

Check the sender's domain

Run a WHOIS lookup on the sender's domain. Recently registered domains (under 30 days old) are typical of scam emails. Blackwall performs this check automatically when you submit a report.

Step 4

Report to Blackwall + BSI + Verbraucherzentrale

Submit the URL to Blackwall (takedown), the .eml to phishing@bsi.bund.de (analysis), and the .eml to phishing@verbraucherzentrale.nrw (warning). Three channels, three different layers: reporting to all of them works fastest.

Step 5

Secure your bank accounts & passwords

If you clicked a link or entered data: change the passwords of any reused accounts, notify your bank, block your cards, and enable MFA.

Where you can report scam emails

Each channel works on a different level: combining them is most effective.

BlackwallTakedown

Submits the URL from the email to the host and registrar. The linked phishing site typically goes offline within 2-24 hours.

Report to Blackwall

BSI Bürger-CERTAnalysis

phishing@bsi.bund.de: Germany's federal cybersecurity agency, for national analysis and early warnings. Always forward it as a .eml attachment.

bsi.bund.de

Verbraucherzentrale NRWWarning

phishing@verbraucherzentrale.nrw: the Phishing Radar warns consumers weekly about new scam tactics.

verbraucherzentrale.nrw

Your email provider

Gmail, Outlook, GMX, Web.de: 'Report as phishing' improves filters for millions of other users. Not a substitute for a takedown.

Frequently asked questions about scam emails

Report the scam email now

One form, three channels. Blackwall coordinates with the host, the BSI, and the Verbraucherzentrale: you just need the URL.

Report scam email Found a phishing website? →