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 an online scam?

For police analysis in France: PHAROS (internet-signalement.gouv.fr). For fake online stores: SignalConso (the French consumer protection agency). For actual site takedown: Blackwall. For financial loss: file a report with your local cybercrime authority.

I was scammed: can I get my money back?

For a recent transfer (under 48 hours), request a recall from your bank immediately. For a card payment, open a chargeback. Crypto payments are nearly impossible to recover, but you should still file a report.

How can I tell if a site is a scam before buying?

Check: domain age (WHOIS under 3 months = suspicious), legal notices and business registration, external reviews (Trustpilot, scam-tracking sites), payment methods (card only is safer than bank transfer). A fake site often shows all of these red flags.

The scam site is hosted abroad: can it still be taken down?

Yes. International hosts respond to RFC-compliant abuse reports. Blackwall handles English-language reports and escalation to the registrar (ICANN) and network provider, which makes even bulletproof hosts reachable through their transit provider.

Report a scam online: actual removal

PHAROS and SignalConso analyze reports, your bank can block funds, but only the host can remove the site. Blackwall sends the abuse report in parallel so the fraudulent site disappears: not just gets flagged.

Report the scam to Blackwall Report phishing →

Report an online scam in 6 steps

Step 1

Document the scam before it disappears

Screenshots of the page, conversations (WhatsApp, email, social media), payment receipts, bank details, crypto addresses. Scammers delete their tracks quickly: evidence must be secured immediately.

Step 2

Identify the type of scam

Fake online store, fake tech support, romance scam, fake crypto investment, CEO fraud. Each type has a different priority reporting channel.

Step 3

Report to PHAROS and SignalConso

PHAROS (internet-signalement.gouv.fr) handles clear-cut scams in France, while SignalConso (the French consumer protection agency) handles fake online stores and deceptive commercial practices.

Step 4

Alert your bank if you made a payment

Block the transaction immediately. For a recent transfer (under 48 hours), request a fund recall. For a fraudulent card payment, open a chargeback with your bank's fraud department.

Step 5

Start a takedown of the site with Blackwall

Blackwall identifies the host of the scam site, prepares the evidence, and sends the abuse report. It automatically escalates to the registrar and network provider if the host doesn't respond within 24 hours.

Step 6

File a report for financial loss

File through your local cybercrime authority or nearest police station. Attach all digital evidence and the Blackwall case ID. Essential for any compensation or legal follow-up.

The right channels to report a scam

Authorities, your bank, and host takedown act at different levels. Combining them maximizes the chances of removal and recovery.

PHAROSFrance authority

internet-signalement.gouv.fr: France's Ministry of the Interior, handles clear-cut scams and illegal content for police action.

internet-signalement.gouv.fr

SignalConsoConsumer protection

signal.conso.gouv.fr: France's official consumer protection platform for deceptive commercial practices, fake online stores, and non-delivery.

signal.conso.gouv.fr

Cybermalveillance.gouv.frOnline complaint

cybermalveillance.gouv.fr: France's national cybersecurity assistance platform, offering guidance and support for filing a complaint over financial loss from a cyber scam.

cybermalveillance.gouv.fr

BlackwallTakedown

Sends the abuse report to the fraudulent site's host, escalates to the registrar and network provider if needed. Tracks status until removal is confirmed (404 or suspension).

Report to Blackwall

Frequently asked questions about reporting online scams

Report a scam now

Official authorities + host takedown, combined. Report in under two minutes: free.

Report the scam to Blackwall Report a fraudulent site →