Common questions

Is it free?

Yes. This website is free. There is no sign-up, no ads, and we never ask you for money or donations.

Grok Bot is a separate app made by another company. It is not part of this website. Check inside the app for any costs or plans.

Filing a report with an official office does not cost money. Nobody legitimate will charge you to file one.

Do I need to be good with computers?

No. If you can send a text message, you can use this website.

• Every guide goes one small step at a time.
• Press the big yellow Copy button, then paste the question into Grok Bot. On an iPad, you can also press and hold the words, then tap Copy.
• Need larger words? Press the A+ Bigger text button at the top of any page.
• Prefer paper? Print our one-page checklist.
• It is fine to ask a friend or family member to sit with you the first time.

Is this a government website?

No. Silver Watchdogs is a free, volunteer, educational website. It is not run by any government agency, and we do not speak for any agency. See our Disclaimer.

We link to official government websites so you can reach them. Most official U.S. government websites end in .gov, and a .gov website belongs to an official government organization. (USA.gov) This website ends in .com.

Is this website run by Grok Bot?

No. Silver Watchdogs is not affiliated with, run by, or endorsed by Grok Bot or its makers. We simply show people how to ask Grok Bot good questions. Like any AI helper, Grok Bot can make mistakes, so always check the original source.

Can I report without giving my name?

Often, yes. Many official offices let you send a tip without your name, or ask them to keep your name private. For example:

• Federal Trade Commission (scams): you can file a report at ReportFraud.ftc.gov anonymously, and share as much or as little as you want. (FTC: common questions)
• GAO FraudNet (federal money): you can choose anonymous (no name or contact details) or confidential (they keep your name private). (GAO FraudNet)
• HHS Office of Inspector General (Medicare and Medicaid): you can stay anonymous, or give your name and ask that it be kept within their office. (HHS-OIG: disclosing your identity)

Good to know:

• If you leave your name off, the office has no way to contact you with questions. That can make it harder for them to look into your tip.
• Keeping your name private has limits. For example, HHS-OIG says it may still need to share your identity if that is necessary for its investigation or required by law.
• Every office has its own rules. Read its reporting page before you send anything.

Will people think I'm accusing someone?

No. Asking questions isn't accusing anyone. Public records exist so citizens can look, and clerks answer questions like yours every day. Most questions have simple answers, and that's a good outcome too.

Keep your questions friendly and about the records, not about people. Our Start small page has three easy steps and gentle examples to begin with.

Can I get in trouble for asking questions or requesting public records?

Asking for public records is your right. The federal Freedom of Information Act gives the public the right to ask any federal agency for records, and generally any person can make a request. (FOIA.gov) States have their own laws for state and local records. (NTIS: FOIA program) See our sample records request letter.

What is not okay:

• False reports. Knowingly making a false statement to a federal office is a crime. (18 U.S.C. 1001) Only report what you honestly believe is true, and say what you are not sure about.
• Public accusations. Posting claims about a person or business online can hurt innocent people and could get you sued. Send your concerns to the proper office instead.
• Snooping. Stick to public records. Do not trespass, pretend to be someone else, or dig into private people's lives.

Please read our short Ground rules. This is general information, not legal advice.

What if I'm not sure it's fraud?

You do not have to be sure. Official offices take tips about possible fraud, then decide whether to look into it. For example, GAO FraudNet asks you to report if you suspect fraud, waste, or abuse of federal money. (GAO FraudNet) Whether something is truly fraud is decided by investigators and courts, not by you. (GAO)

Before you report, it helps to ask Grok Bot whether there could be an innocent explanation:

If it still looks wrong, use our guide Find which office to report to. In your report, share only the facts you found and where you found them.

What do I do if I've been scammed?

1. Stop. Hang up or stop replying. Do not send more money.
2. Call your bank using the number on the back of your card.
3. Call the free National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311), Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern. It is from the U.S. Department of Justice, for fraud against anyone age 60 or older. (About the hotline)
4. Report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
5. If a scammer has your Social Security, bank, or card number, go to IdentityTheft.gov for step-by-step help. (FTC)

It is not your fault. Scammers are skilled at fooling people. More help is on our Protect yourself page.

Is my information safe here?

We do not collect your information. There are no accounts, no sign-up forms, no comments, no ads, and no tracking. The Copy buttons work only on your own device. Read our short Privacy page.

We will never ask for your Social Security number, bank details, or money. If someone claiming to be us does, it is a scam.

Does it matter which political party I support?

No. Silver Watchdogs does not support or oppose any party, candidate, or cause. Liberals, conservatives, and everyone in between are welcome. Fraud wastes everyone's money, no matter who is in office.