Where to Report Scam Calls in the US
Several government agencies and consumer protection organizations in the US handle scam call reports. Here’s a breakdown of the key places to turn:
Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
The FTC is the primary federal agency fighting consumer fraud. They collect reports of scams and use them to investigate and prosecute offenders.
How to report:
Online: Visit ReportFraud.ftc.gov for a comprehensive reporting tool.
Phone: Call 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357)
Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
The FCC regulates interstate and international communications. They take complaints about robocalls, telemarketing scams, and phone number spoofing (where scammers disguise their caller ID).
How to report:
Online: Visit the FCC Consumer Complaint Center at consumercomplaints.fcc.gov
Phone: Call 1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888-225-5322)
The National Do Not Call Registry
While the Do Not Call Registry won’t prevent all scams, it can reduce telemarketing calls. If a legitimate company disregards your registration on the list, file a complaint.
How to Report:
Online: Visit DoNotCall.gov
Phone: 1-888-382-1222 (TTY: 1-866-290-4236)
State Attorney General’s Office
Your state’s Attorney General’s office often has a consumer protection division that investigates scams within the state. Contact your state’s AG office for specific reporting instructions.
Law Enforcement
If you’ve been a victim of fraud and lost money, it’s essential to report the crime to your local or state law enforcement agencies.
Where to Report Scam Calls in US ?
Phone scams are an insidious problem in the United States, leading to billions of dollars in losses for the public each year. Scammers can be relentless and use a range of tactics to trick people into giving up personal information or sending money. However, there are effective ways to fight back and protect yourself and others. A crucial step is knowing where to report scam calls.