Frequently Asked Questions
How do I report a missing child?
Call 911 immediately, then contact NCMEC at 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678). File a report with local law enforcement. There is no waiting period to report a missing child.
What is an Amber Alert?
AMBER (America's Missing: Broadcast Emergency Response) Alert is a national system that broadcasts descriptions of abducted children through media, highway signs, and wireless emergency alerts to enlist public help.
What does NCMEC do?
NCMEC operates the national missing children hotline, maintains the CyberTipline for online exploitation reports, provides forensic services, and coordinates with law enforcement on missing child cases.
How many children go missing each year?
NCMEC reports approximately 350,000 entries into the FBI's NCIC for missing children annually. The vast majority are found quickly; most cases involve runaways or family abductions.