Who: The FTC collects reports of scam and unwanted calls.
When to use: Use for fraud attempts or illegal robocalls.
What to prepare:
- Phone number
- Date and time
- What was said
Go to FTC ReportFraud~5 min
Category: Phone & mail
Robocalls & phone scams
Most reportedImportant
The IRS, Social Security, and other government agencies do not call and demand payment by gift card, wire, or crypto. If someone does, it is a scam.
How it often plays out
Linda’s phone shows “Social Security Administration.” A recorded voice says her number is linked to crime and she must press 1 to speak to an agent. She does; the “agent” pressures her to buy gift cards to “clear her name.” The real SSA never calls and never asks for payment by gift card. By the time she realizes it was a scam, the codes are already used and the money is gone.
By the numbers
- Billions of robocalls are placed each year; many are illegal or fraudulent.
- Caller ID can be spoofed—the number you see may not be the real caller.
How to spot it
Common red flags: pressure to act immediately, requests for payment by gift card or wire, offers that seem too good to be true, or unsolicited requests for your personal or financial details.
Do's and don'ts
Do
- Hang up without pressing numbers or giving information.
- Note the number (or "unknown"), date and time, and what they said.
- Report to the FTC and FCC using the links below.
Don't
- Press numbers to "speak to an agent" or "remove your number."
- Give personal or payment info, or buy gift cards.
- Assume caller ID is accurate; numbers can be spoofed.
Summary & what to do
Unwanted or fraudulent calls—robocalls, spoofed numbers, or people pretending to be your bank or the government—can be reported to the FCC and FTC.
What to do right now
- Hang up. Do not press numbers or give personal or payment info.
- Note the number (or "unknown"), date and time, and what they said.
- Report using the links below.
Where to report
Who: The FCC handles complaints about robocalls and spoofing.
When to use: Use for unwanted calls or caller ID spoofing.
What to prepare:
- Your number
- Number that called
- Carrier
Frequently asked questions
- They said I had to press 1 to stop the calls. Should I?
- No. Pressing a number often confirms your number is active and can lead to more calls or a live scammer. Hang up and report the number to the FTC and FCC.
- The caller ID showed my bank. Was it really them?
- Caller ID can be spoofed. Do not give personal or payment info. Hang up and call your bank using the number on your card or statement.