How do i report spam calls to the fcc. Complaints can be filed online at fcc.

How do i report spam calls to the fcc. " The calls urge them to "call the number displayed on your caller ID immediately. The Office of Inspector General (OIG) maintains a Hotline to facilitate the reporting of allegations of fraud, waste, abuse, or mismanagement within Federal Communications Commission (FCC) programs or operations. The Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) was created to stop all unsolicited calls to cell phones and telemarketing calls to landlines on the Do Not Call Registry. The Commission first authorized DNO blocking in 2017. Register your phone number to report stop or block unwanted, annoying,telemarketing, spam calls, robocalls to the FTC Mar 7, 2023 · Many consumers receive a variety of unsolicited commercial email (also known as "spam") in their offices or at home. For more tips on blocking unwanted calls and dealing with robocalls, go to the FCC’s Call Blocking Tools and Resources and the FTC’s How to Stop Unwanted Calls. Jul 13, 2023 · Learn how to effectively file a complaint with the FCC against unwanted telemarketing calls and protect your privacy. S. Under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) and the Truth in Caller ID Act (TICIDA), which amended the Communications Act, certain unwanted communications are unlawful. That’s why your best defense against unwanted calls is call blocking and call labeling. So being on the Registry won’t stop calls from scammers making illegal calls. Billions of unwanted calls Aug 29, 2025 · Learn how to stop spam texts on iPhone and Android using filters, blocking, reporting tools and apps. Please see The Complaint Process Flow Chart for a graphical representation of the FCC's review process. Mar 5, 2025 · Report Unwanted Calls and Texts If you think you've received a political robocall or text that does not comply with the FCC's rules, you can file an informal complaint with the FCC at fcc. gov to find tips and learn how to avoid scams. gov, where consumers can easily report fraud and all other consumer issues directly to the FTC. gov/unwanted-calls-just-block-em-report-em. If you think that you are a victim of smishing, you should contact law enforcement to report the scam. How To Recognize a Phone Scam Examples of Common Phone Scams How To Stop Calls From Scammers What To Do if You Already Paid a Scammer Report Phone Scams Jul 30, 2025 · If you are experiencing unwanted calls and texts through your landline or cell phone, here is everything you should know before filing a TCPA lawsuit. LPT: If you're sick of getting spam or phising texts, you can Fwd the texts to "7726" to report it to the FTC and have your carrier investigate it. May 20, 2025 · Spam calls are unwanted phone calls that are typically sent to a large number of people for commercial purposes, phishing, and the spreading of malware. If you are the victim of an incident that does not meet the threshold of a federal crime, you may need to report it to your local police department. The FCC is cracking Register your phone number to report stop or block unwanted, annoying,telemarketing, spam calls, robocalls to the FTC Unwanted Calls What to know about blocking unwanted calls, dealing with robocalls, avoiding phone scams, and being on the Do Not Call Registry. Most robocalls are illegal. Sep 2, 2025 · Though the FCC has tried to crack down on spam calls and texts for years, and federal and state lawmakers have passed legislation to address the problem, for many people, spam calls persist. gov/exploredata. Apr 5, 2023 · Is there any point in reporting scam phone calls when all of the Caller ID information is invalid? I've received as many as 10 calls per day, 90% of which fall into 4 main categories: utility rebates, cable/TV/internet rate reductions, social security/medicare phishing and the ever-popular "you've won millions of dollars" scams. Internet Form - Descriptions of Complaint Issues If you have questions about a problem you are having with your Internet service and want to read more about common Internet issues raised with the FCC, see our consumer guides. DNO Blocking 5. Here’s how to block and report unwanted calls on cell phones and home phones. Federal laws and FCC regulations protect consumers in the United States from unsolicited messages by placing limits on how, when, where, and why a caller may use particular kinds of telephone technologies. Hit play and take the first step to get the help you need. The FTC uses the spam stored in this database to pursue law enforcement actions against people who send deceptive email. If our consumer guides do not address your issue, another option is to file a complaint. USAGov's where to report a scam tool helps you find the best agency or organization to report the scam. The FCC has made combatting unlawful robocalls and malicious caller ID spoofing Redirecting to https://consumer. This short video walks you through the FCC Consumer Inquiries and Complaints Center — how it works, what you can report, and how we help. So this week, as part of Older Americans Month, we’re talking about how to block unwanted calls — for yourself, and for your friends and family. Filing a Complaint with the FCC If you do receive an illegal robocall, I would encourage you to file a phone complaint with the Federal Communications Commission here. So when you get an illegal robocall, here's what to do. Complaints can be filed online at fcc. gov or by calling (888) 225-5322. Scammers use tricks and lies to steal your money or personal information. The Registry is a list that tells registered telemarketers what numbers not to call — but it doesn’t block calls. The FCC allows phone companies to block robocalls by default based on reasonable analytics. Consumers are reporting robocalls and voicemails claiming a "50% discount on your monthly bill is set to expire. She asked Public Investigator for some tips to deal with them. They allow consumers to report unsolicited or illegal calls. When filling out the form, please be sure to note the difference between unwanted calls and being spoofed. Local and state jurisdictions have different thresholds for investigating suspected crimes. gov/articles/how-recognize-avoid-phishing-scams. May 8, 2019 · FAQs about Junk Faxes Unsolicited advertisements sent to your fax machine are sometimes called "junk faxes. If you answer such a call, hang up immediately. It’s free to register your home or cell phone number. mail, e-mail, facsimile, or otherwise, staff log it into one of several databases managed by the Consumer and Governmental Affairs You may report complaints and violations to the Federal Communications Commission at consumercomplaints. Advances in technology have unfortunately allowed illegal and spoofed robocalls and texts to be made from anywhere in the world and more cheaply and easily than ever before. Additionally, FCC rules obligate telecommunications providers to take steps to combat unlawful robocalling and help consumers avoid unwanted messages. Dec 20, 2022 · Amateur Radio Complaints Broadcast Complaints Consumer Telephone-Related Complaints Equipment Marketing Violations Interference Complaints Consumer Complaint Data Center What is an Informal Complaint? Stop Unwanted Robocalls Consumer Guides Jan 17, 2024 · How do you report spam text messages and prevent them from bothering you in the future? In this blog, we share four easy ways to deal with unwanted texts. Caller ID Spoofing Spoofing is when a caller deliberately falsifies the information transmitted to your caller ID display to disguise their identity. Pass this information on to a friend. You can also report the text to the FTC and FCC. Call blocking tools and resources. Spam: Unwanted Text Messages and Email | (PDF) Unwanted Telephone Marketing Calls and the National Do-Not-Call List | (PDF) Voicemail System Hacking | (PDF) Watch Out for Auto Warranty Scams | (PDF) Wireless, Cellular and Mobile 5G FAQs Avoid Making Accidental Wireless 911 Calls | (PDF) Cell Phone Fraud | (PDF) Cell Phone Unlocking | (PDF) Sep 10, 2025 · Looking for a discount on your monthly cable bill or streaming subscriptions? Watch out for calls and texts offering 50% off of your Comcast, Spectrum, or Prime bills. Read about blocking No personal information is published. In addition, many phone companies permit their customers to block unwanted calls, such as telemarketing calls, and may send the blocked call directly to voicemail. " In most cases, FCC rules under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act and Junk Fax Prevention Act prohibit sending junk faxes. An FCC report released in June 2021 found that many voice service providers and third-party analytics companies have been improving their call blocking and labeling services and use new data to better detect robocalls. Unwanted Calls, Emails, and Texts What to do about unwanted calls, emails, and text messages that can be annoying, might be illegal, and are probably scams. Do-not-call Do-not-call Content FCC Warns of Holiday Season Phone Scams What Older Americans and Their Caregivers Should Know About Robocalls, Scams, and the Latest Technology and Accessibility Issues Stop Unwanted Robocalls and Texts Reliable Call Authentication System Notice of Inquiry (July 13, 2017) Robocall Strike Force Report (PDF, April 28, 2017) Robocall Strike Force Report (PDF, Oct. Consumer Help Center FCC consumer guides provide tips on avoiding caller ID spoofing and robocalls that may help you avoid being scammed. If your complaint was about issues such as loud commercials, the Do Not Call List, robocalls, unwanted telephone calls, unsolicited faxes and similar issues covered by the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, your complaint was not served but was shared among FCC bureaus and offices. More information about robocall blocking is available at fcc. These include complaints from consumers whose numbers are being spoofed or whose calls are being mistakenly blocked or labeled as a possible scam call by a robocall blocking Dec 17, 2024 · In conversations with the American Bankers Association, FCC staff encouraged banks to use the portal to report illegal calls. Register your phone number to report stop or block unwanted, annoying,telemarketing, spam calls, robocalls to the FTC In addition to the Do Not Call Registry and reporting the calls to the FCC, the FCC provides several resources for consumers looking to block and report spam calls and texts. Robocalls, Telemarketing Calls, and Feb 9, 2024 · According to Robokiller, a company that specializes in blocking spam calls and robocalls, Americans received 3. All Voice Service Providers to Block Calls from Suspicious Numbers That Do Not Make Outbound Calls; Commission Also Improves Notice to Blocked Callers WASHINGTON, DC, February 27, 2025— The Federal Communications Commission today adopted new rules to protect consumers against illegal robocalls. We do not resolve individual complaints on certain issues, including loud commercials, indecency, unwanted calls or texts, including robocalls, unsolicited faxes and similar issues covered by the Telephone Consumer Protection Act. A second annual FCC report released in June 2021 found that many voice service providers and third-party analytics companies are improving their call blocking and labeling services and use new data to better detect robocalls. Aug 28, 2019 · The FCC receives more complaints about unwanted phone calls than any other consumer issue. gov/complaints. You can do this by manually forwarding the suspicious message to this number or by using the built-in “report spam” function if you have an Android phone. Jun 26, 2023 · Spam text messages are annoying enough, but smishing can be dangerous. Don't answer calls from unknown numbers. Report identity theft at IdentityTheft. Jan 28, 2025 · Check if your mobile phone has options to filter and block texts from unknown senders. Read the FCC Complaint Center FAQ to learn more about the FCC's informal complaint process, including how to file a complaint, and what happens after a complaint is filed. To learn more about scams and how to avoid them, check out the FCC Scam Glossary or visit the FCC Consumer Help Center at fcc. You can also file complaints about identity theft and consumer fraud with the FTC. You can call or text to connect directly with mental health professionals at a national network of crisis centers. Emergency Alerts Accessibility For accessibility questions about emergency alerting tests, or WEA accessibility Find information on how to do that at Data Breach Response: A Guide for Business. The TRACED Act required the FCC to ensure that both callers and consumers are provided with transparency and effective redress when wanted calls are blocked inadvertently. Here’s how to report spam calls, plus steps you can take to finally make them stop. . FCC consumer guides for taking action. Jul 3, 2023 · Federal Communications Commission. This action by the FCC demonstrates a strong commitment to protecting consumers from the growing problem of spam calls and ensuring a safer and more trustworthy communication environment. If you have received an unwanted call, including robocalls, you will need to select “unwanted calls/texts” as the Phone Issue and then “all other unwanted calls/texts” as the sub-issue. Second, it requires voice service providers to Robocalls Unwanted calls and texts can not only be a hassle, but they may also open you up to being exposed to a scam. Redirecting to https://consumer. Your provider has up to 30 days to send you and the FCC a response to your complaint. File a complaint with the FCC for frauds related to telephones, such as unexplained charges on your bill or telemarketing scams. Here’s what to do: Hang up on unwanted calls and ignore unexpected texts. The FCC shares Your Jun 29, 2025 · Many spam messages are an attempt to obtain your personal information or spread malware that can infect your phone. Printable Version After Storms, Watch Out for Scams (pdf) The National Do Not Call Registry is designed to stop unwanted sales calls — live calls or robocalls — from real companies that follow the law. ReportFraud. Boost your digital security and learn how to identify, report and stop spam text messages. This form should only be used if you cannot file a complaint online or if you are unable to call the FCC to have one o Every day, consumers across the country are harassed with annoying, unwanted, and disruptive telephone calls that come through their landline (home phone) and cell phones. If it is an unwanted call, you will need to select "unwanted calls" on the form as the phone issue, and then "all other The Federal Communications Commission has received informal complaints that people without disabilities, who are posing as deaf or hard of hearing consumers, are misusing an Internet based telecommunications relay service (TRS) called Internet Protocol (IP) Relay to perpetrate fraudulent business transactions, often by using stolen or fake credit cards. Register your phone number to report stop or block unwanted, annoying,telemarketing, spam calls, robocalls to the FTC Register your phone number to report stop or block unwanted, annoying,telemarketing, spam calls, robocalls to the FTC Jul 18, 2024 · Call Blocking Tools and Resources Call blocking is a tool used by phone companies to stop illegal and unwanted calls from reaching your phone. The CAN-SPAM Act requires the Federal Communications Commission to issue rules with regard to commercial e-mail and some text messages sent to wireless devices such as cell phones—not e-mail in general. Go to the press release that explains: The Federal Trade Commission and more than 100 federal and state law enforcement partners nationwide, including the attorneys general from all 50 states and the District of Columbia, announced a new crackdown on illegal telemarketing calls involving Register your phone number to report stop or block unwanted, annoying,telemarketing, spam calls, robocalls to the FTC Feb 19, 2025 · How to report spam text? The simplest way to report spam text messages is to forward them to the toll-free number 7726 (SPAM). It is run by the FBI, the lead federal agency for investigating crime. Blocking services might reduce unwanted calls and texts. The FCC Feb 18, 2025 · The Commission’s vote on the Report and Order is scheduled for the March Open Meeting, after which the new rules will be implemented. Aug 31, 2020 · Consumers who have received unsolicited solicitation calls or texts may be able to report these calls and file a complaint with the FCC. Contact Location Federal Communications Commission 45 L Street NE Washington, DC 20554 See our Visiting FCC Facilities page for information to help guide visitors through the FCC’s facility security screening process for the FCC’s Headquarters and other facilities. Dec 30, 2024 · For the past two months, Dorothy Wiza, 91, has been bombarded with spam calls. Many spammers use personalized audio recordings that simulate a real human. Learn how to report scam calls, text messages and stop the harassing calls for good. Call blocking is a tool used by phone companies to stop illegal and unwanted calls from reaching your phone. Report unwanted calls at donotcall. These scammers use a variety of tactics to get your credit or debit card number and as much personal information as possible. While these calls tend to spike during health care Open Enrollment season, fraudsters may use similar approaches year-round. The Commission sought comment on call blocking initiatives in a July 16, 2020 Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking Oct 22, 2020 · The Federal Trade Commission has launched a new website, ReportFraud. Reaching out outside regular business hours? Originating too many calls from the same number, causing it to show up with a spam label? Resolving FCC complaints starts with visibility —getting a clear picture of your dialing practices, campaign performance, and how customers experience and interpret your calls. You can also file a complaint with the FCC at no cost. Unsubscribe from unwanted emails. New Consumer Guide 'Drive Tests' and Other 'Speed Tests' Conducted to Validate Mobile Broadband Availability Data Most Viewed Consumer Guides Stop Unwanted Robocalls and Texts Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) Check Basic Rates Before Making International Calls International Calling Tip Sheet Porting: Keeping Your Phone Number When You Change Providers What You Need To Know About Text Jul 18, 2023 · To learn about Operation Stop Scam calls, click on the words underlined in blue in the second paragraph. This wikiHow teaches you how to spot, block, and report spam text messages on Androids and iPhones. gov/how-block-unwanted-calls. If you have received an unsolicited robocall, robotext, or fax message, you can file a complaint with the FCC online: File A Complaint. Billions of unwanted calls to American consumers are being blocked Unwanted calls are the FCC’s top consumer complaint. This applies across the US and is not carrier specific. Includes walkthroughs for both Android and iPhone users. Find out how to easily file a complaint online against telemarketers and robocallers. gov. The Registry is a list that tells registered telemarketers what numbers not to call. Simple steps anyone can follow. Jan 6, 2020 · Each month hundreds of consumers report to the FCC phone calls from scammers pretending to represent banks or credit card companies. Think you received an illegal robocall? Reporting is easy. Many popular email providers (like Gmail or Yahoo Mail) have strong spam filters turned on by default. Click the tabs below for tips, FAQs and resources. Blocking illegal calls ensures they never reach consumers. Complaint data fields: Jan 31, 2025 · Report the scam to your consumer protection agency. 26, 2016) FCC Consumer Resources Consumer Tips and Information about Caller ID Spoofing Consumer Guide: Stop Unwanted Robocalls and Texts Robocall Mitigation Database The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) requires all voice service providers to file certifications in the Robocall Mitigation Database regarding their efforts to fight illegal robocalls on their networks. org (an address used by the Anti-Phishing Working Group, which includes ISPs, security vendors, financial institutions, and law enforcement agencies). Scams happen online, by mail, phone, text, social media, in person, and through new technologies. To report deceptive or suspicious spam to the Federal Trade Commission, forward it to ReportFraud. Start your report now, or check out what is going on in your state or metro area by visiting ftc. Tell us what the call was about: Check the category that best describes what the call was about, for example debt reduction, home security or vacations. Report it Forward phishing emails to reportphishing@apwg. Thanks for choosing to share your story with the FCC. File a complaint If you feel you're the victim of a porting-out scam, file a complaint with the FCC for free. TV Form - Descriptions of Complaint Issues Data Caps Experience Form Broadband Access Experience Form Privacy Complaints Paper Version of Complaint Form See all 15 articles Consumer Complaint Data Center What is an Informal Complaint? Stop Unwanted Robocalls Consumer Guides Aug 21, 2025 · Unwanted Calls What to know about blocking unwanted calls, dealing with robocalls, avoiding phone scams, and being on the Do Not Call Registry. To get started, check out this video: Some of the Oct 10, 2024 · Filing an Informal Complaint Consumers can file a complaint with the FCC on issues about phone equipment and services, internet service, and TV and radio services. Remember to check your voicemail periodically to make sure you aren't missing important calls and to clear out any spam calls that might fill your voicemail box to capacity. Unsolicited emails, however, are often the initial means for criminals, such as operators of fraudulent schemes, to contact and solicit prospective victims for money, or to commit identity C. The FCC is committed to doing Do Not Call: After your number is on the registry for 31 days, you can report unwanted sales calls. Register your phone number to report stop or block unwanted, annoying,telemarketing, spam calls, robocalls to the FTC The FCC’s Robocall Response Team serves as an FCC staff working group that pulls together expertise from across the agency to leverage the talents of enforcers, attorneys, policy makers, engineers, economists, and outreach experts to combat the unyielding menace of illegal spoofed, scam, robocalls and robotexts. We know they're a problem and when you report them, you help us identify the offenders and block them. Reminder: Even if Jul 13, 2023 · Learn where to report unwanted telemarketing calls to the FCC and FTC, and understand their distinct roles in consumer protection. Feb 15, 2017 · If your complaint was about issues such as loud commercials, the Do Not Call List, robocalls, unwanted telephone calls, unsolicited faxes and similar issues covered by the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, your complaint was not served but was shared among FCC bureaus and offices. Some call blocking apps can also help block unwanted messages. The Federal Communications Commission is alerting consumers about scam calls and texts claiming to offer 50% off of Comcast, Spectrum, or Prime bills. And how to sue them for penalities in small claims court! This website has considerable free resources, links to the relevant government and nonprofit agencies and guides to help you determine if an email, phone call or letter is from a fraudster or a legitimate source. Because all scams are different, you might have to reach out to a number of other local, state, and federal agencies depending on your situation. That's why it's become more of a problem for consumers, and a more difficult problem to solve. Got a phone? Then chances are you get calls from scammers. Stopping illegal robocalls and scam calls is at the top of my priority list. But if any spam gets into your inbox, mark it as spam or junk. Mar 24, 2025 · In this document, the Federal Communications Commission (Commission) modifies its existing call blocking rules. Read expert reviews about your options. Nov 10, 2020 · This article explains how to report a phone number and what to do about harassing phone calls manually, using third-party services, or through government agencies. gov is the federal government's website where you can report fraud, scams, and bad business practices. Apr 23, 2025 · Unwanted Emails, Texts, and Mail How to deal with unwanted text messages, spam phishing emails, and junk mail. You may be entitled to damages for every TCPA violation! Nov 2, 2022 · There is no doubt that scam calls and texts are rampant. Apr 18, 2024 · How to File an FCC or FTC Complaint About Your Internet If you’ve contacted your ISP, and you still cannot get a resolution, you may need to file a complaint against your internet provider. The types of complaints include access and billing concerns to issues with service speeds, number porting, equipment, unwanted calls and texts, and much more. They can feel like a constant interruption — and many are from scammers. Consumer Tips to stop unwanted robocalls and avoid phone scams. Register your phone number to report stop or block unwanted, annoying,telemarketing, spam calls, robocalls to the FTC The Enforcement Bureau's Spectrum Enforcement Division, in conjunction with the Regional and Field Offices, is responsible for responding to interference complaints involving FCC licensees. That includes names, contact information, account numbers, social security numbers and attachments. FCC. Is your own telephone number being spoofed, blocked, or labeled as a possible spam call? The FCC is committed to doing what we can to protect you from these unwelcome situations. We only publish data provided by the consumer. This video shows you how to report scams, fraud, and bad business practices to the Federal Trade Commission at https://ReportFraud. Filing online is The National Do Not Call Registry is designed to stop unwanted sales calls from real companies that follow the law. The FCC deals with telecommunication issues, including complaints about spam calls, robocalls, and abusive calls. Learn more at ftc. gov/robocalls. If you think you're the victim of a texting scam, report it immediately to your local law enforcement agency and notify your wireless service provider and financial institutions where you have accounts. For example, a caller stated: In 2024, insurance scams topped the list of robocall complaints filed with the FCC. In the US, you should contact the Federal Trade Commission either by phone or through their online reporting system. It works like reporting spam in Gmail. The Report and Order expands the Commission’s efforts to combat scam calls by broadening the use Call blocking is a tool used by phone companies to stop illegal and unwanted calls from reaching your phone. Report Unwanted CallsReport Unwanted Calls Why are you getting so many calls? Often, it’s scammers calling. Specifically, the Commission requires all domestic voice service providers to block based on a reasonable do-not-originate (DNO) list. The FCC Complaint Center FAQ has more information about the agency's informal complaint process. The FCC and law enforcement agencies have received multiple reports from members of the Chinese community about individuals impersonating health-care providers, federal employees (including the Federal Communications Commission), and police officers from China. On This Page: Report Fraud, Waste or Abuse Members of the public and FCC employees may file a complaint with the FCC Office of Inspector General (OIG) pursuant to the Inspector General Act of 1978. ftc. UnwanUnwanted calls are annoying. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline "988" is the three-digit, nationwide phone number formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. fcc. If you answer, they use scam scripts to try to Below are Word and PDF versions of a generic informal consumer complaint form. If you wish to report such allegations, you may call, send a letter, or email the OIG Hotline as identified on this page below. Even if you Mar 2, 2020 · Report texting scam attempts to your wireless service provider by forwarding unwanted texts to 7726 (or "SPAM"). Scammers don’t care if you’re on the National Do Not Call Registry. gov and why it’s important to do it. Your Story submission provides you with the opportunity to comment (good or bad) on telecommunications issues or providers. Their goal is a quick payoff by running up purchases or cash advances on your accounts or selling the information to other fraudsters. File a complaint with the FCC. Jul 16, 2021 · Robocalls and the Do Not Call Registry In recent years, some telemarketers have used technology to bombard consumers with hundreds of millions of prerecorded calls that are often unwanted and frequently deceptive. Scammers often use neighbor spoofing so it appears that an incoming call is coming from a local number, or spoof a number from a company or a government agency that you may already know and trust. Call local law enforcement using the non-emergency number and tell the officer that you are the victim of a scam and want to file a police report. The FCC bases enforcement actions on complaints of indecent, profane or obscene material received from the public. 34 billion robocalls in December, which averages out to 17 spam calls for every American. gov/hc/en-us. Dec 5, 2022 · We all know how obnoxious unwanted phone calls can be. Never reply to spam messages or tap on any of the links in the message and always report spam text messages immediately. " Complaints filed with the FCC Use this form to report annoying robocalls, unwanted calls and texts. You can report fraud at the Consumer Complaint Center, which you can access at: https://consumercomplaints. Find out what you can do about unwanted text messages and how to report them. 6 In the First Call Blocking Order, the Commission How else FCC can help Public Safety Issues If your complaint involves interference to a telecommunications service used by public safety entities, such as first responders, police, fire, law enforcement or a federal agency, then use the Public Safety Interference Complaint portal. These include complaints from consumers whose numbers are being spoofed or whose calls are being mistakenly blocked or labeled as a possible scam call by a robocall blocking app or service. Sep 12, 2025 · If you or someone you care about is the victim of a fraud, scam or financial exploitation, you can report the fraud or scam to the Federal Trade Commission. Once the FCC receives a complaint via U. gov/calls. Unlawful Communications Unwanted calls are the FCC’s top consumer complaint. Mar 28, 2025 · Phone scam calls targeting Chinese speaking consumers appear to be trending up again. On September 1, 2009, new FTC rules went into effect prohibiting most prerecorded telemarketing calls, commonly known as robocalls, unless the telemarketer has the consumer’s prior Dec 12, 2018 · Stop unwanted sales calls from telemarketers by registering for the National Do Not Call list. If you suspect the scam involves calls from outside of your country, you report international scams to the International Consumer Protection and Enforcement Network (ICPEN). Data Published The FCC publishes data on individual complaints including data on unwanted call complaints. Feb 9, 2022 · Learn how to report spam calls and who to report them to, using our quick walkthrough guide. Here’s what to know about blocking unwanted calls, dealing with robocalls, avoiding phone scams, and signing up for the National Do Not Call Registry. Unsolicited advertisements sent to your fax machine are sometimes called "junk faxes. Robocalls: Report calls that use a recorded message instead of a live person (whether or not your number is on the Registry). Ask your phone carrier about call and message blocking. Unwanted calls—including illegal and spoofed robocalls—are the FCC’s top consumer complaint and a top consumer protection priority. Don’t press any numbers or click on links. The official website of the Federal Trade Commission, protecting America’s consumers for over 100 years. For Consumers Report fraud, scams, and bad business practices at ReportFraud. Visit consumer. File a complaint with the FCC if you believe you have received an illegal call or text, or if you think you're the victim of a spoofing scam. IP Relay Fraud | (PDF) Junk Faxes: FAQ | (PDF) Low Power FM Radio Scams | (PDF) Mexico Collect Call Scam | (PDF) 'One Ring' Phone Scam | (PDF) Phone Scams Targeting Chinese-Americans Unwanted Robocalls and Texts | (PDF) Slamming: Switching Your Authorized Telephone Company Without Permission | (PDF) Voicemail System Hacking | (PDF) Stop Unwanted Robocalls and Texts Unwanted calls – including illegal and spoofed robocalls – are the FCC's top consumer complaint and our top consumer protection priority. [9] X Research source USA. Nov 15, 2024 · Today, the Federal Trade Commission released the National Do Not Call Registry Data Book for Fiscal Year 2024 which shows that consumer reports about unwanted calls continue to drop for the third straight year, with complaint volume down by more than half since 2021. For example, calls from companies attempting to sell If the recording is a sales message and you haven't given your written permission to get calls from the company on the other end, the call is illegal period. gov/consumers. Consumers are reporting robocalls and voicemails claiming. gov notes that “unwanted calls – including illegal and spoofed robocalls – are the FCC’s top consumer complaint and our top consumer protection priority. gov The Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) is the central hub for reporting cyber-enabled crime. ABA has also urged the FCC to create a database of reported “SPAM” text messages, requested that the current or next administration establish a National Scam and Fraud Prevention Strategy and outlined a policy agenda Dec 8, 2015 · Voice service providers now can block calls that are part of a suspicious calling pattern as well as obviously fraudulent calls. How to Take Action File an Informal Complaint | (PDF) Comment on FCC Proceedings | (PDF) How to File a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Request How to File Paper Documents with the FCC The FCC Rulemaking Process May 12, 2023 · If you fall victim to a phone scam, take a deep breath and collect yourself. While people don't always like getting spam, much of it has a legitimate business purpose. Contact the Consumer Response Center by calling 1-877-FTC-HELP (382-4357) For Journalists Office of Public Affairs Telephone: (202) 326-2180 Email: opa@ftc. Jul 13, 2023 · Learn effective and legal methods to reduce unwanted telemarketing calls, including registration, call-blocking tools, and reporting violations. Unfortunately, technology makes it easy for scammers to make millions of calls a day. The Commission has authorized, and in certain instances, mandated, blocking within certain restrictions to ensure that consumers are protected from illegal calls and have the option to avoid unwanted calls. vdmtj ikruhxv ecnvn lrli gphio wisdn xfmfl njwln fzulibn grfwbjm