While the FTC does not resolve individual cases, they do establish patterns of fraudulent behavior and send alerts to law enforcement and the public about active trends in scams.

If there isn’t an appropriate sub-category for the scam phone call you received, choose “NO MATCH FOUND. " The FTC will categorize your complaint appropriately after you file it. For scam text messages rather than calls, click on “Mobile Devices or Telephones,” then choose “Unwanted Text Messages. "

You might also include a description of the caller or their voice. For example, you could include whether the person sounded male or female, or if they had a particular regional or international accent. You can’t attach files to your complaint. However, if you have a voicemail or other recording of the scam phone call, make a statement to that effect in your complaint.

You also have the option of printing the page for your records. It’s a good idea to print your complaint if you plan on submitting reports or complaints to other agencies. Then you can just copy the same information for additional complaints. If you included an email address, the FTC will send you a confirmation email that your complaint has been received.

The “Phone Form” page provides a description of various issues included under this category. Read through them, then scroll down to the bottom of the page for a link to the complaint form.

Provide a short, 3-5 sentence description of the scam call you received. If you have a voicemail or audio recording of the scam call, you can attach it at the bottom of the form. For the “Phone Issues” line under the description, select “unwanted calls,” then select “all other unwanted calls” as the sub-issue.

To “share your story” with the FCC, you are required to provide your first and last name, state, and zip code, as well as a valid email address. Optionally, you can also provide a phone number where you can be reached. Typically, the FCC will not contact you or respond to your story after you submit it.

Also be wary if the person insists that you can trust them, that there’s no need to check into their business, or that you have to act immediately to take advantage of their offer. If the caller claims that you’ve won a prize or free gift, but have to pay for shipping and handling, it’s likely a scam. Once you give them your credit card number, they can charge as much as they like.

The registry removes your number from telemarketing lists. Telemarketers are legally barred from calling any registered number. Once you register your number, there’s a 31-day waiting period. After that time, you can report any unwanted calls or potential scams directly on the website for the National Do Not Call Registry.

Anyone with a legitimate offer would be happy to do this for you. If they refuse to send written information or insist that you have to make a decision immediately, the offer is most likely a scam. Even if the offer is legitimate, it’s a good habit to get the details of the offer in writing before you make a decision – especially if an unsolicited phone call is the first time you’ve heard of the offer.

Ask the caller why they’re in such a hurry, or why it’s so important for you to make a decision right away. If you feel comfortable being more confrontational, you can point out that if their offer was legitimate and really as good as they claim, they would be more than happy to give you time to research the details. Don’t forget that you can always just hang up. A telemarketer or scammer will often try to make you feel rude or guilty for hanging up, but there’s nothing rude about hanging up on an unsolicited phone call from a person you don’t know.

Never give out a credit or debit card number, bank account number, or Social Security number over the phone to an unsolicited caller. [15] X Expert Source Scott Nelson, JDPolice Sergeant, Mountain View Police Department Expert Interview. 2 April 2020. If they are calling from a legitimate business or agency, they typically won’t call or ask for this information. Hang up and call the business or agency they claim to be from. A customer service representative can tell you whether it was a legitimate call or a scam.

You can find contact information for state and local consumer protection agencies at https://www. usa. gov/state-consumer. Simply select your state from the drop-down menu.