How do I report a phone scam call?
Report to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and to the FCC at fcc.gov. You can also report to the Do Not Call Registry if applicable. Keep notes on the caller's number and what was said.
Last reviewed: 10 June 2026
Explanation
Phone scam calls — including robocalls, IRS impersonation calls, tech support calls, and social security scams — are the most common consumer fraud contact method in the U.S. Reporting them helps the FTC and FCC identify patterns, take enforcement action, and issue public warnings.
After receiving a scam call, note the phone number shown on caller ID (even if you know it may be spoofed), the date and time, what the caller claimed, what they asked for, and any callback number they provided. This information is the core of a useful report.
File at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. The FTC collects this data in their Consumer Sentinel database and shares it with law enforcement, carriers, and analytics companies that develop call-blocking technology. Each report contributes to the overall picture, even if no individual investigation is opened for your case.
Also report to the FCC at fcc.gov/consumers/guides/filing-informal-complaint for robocalls or if you believe Do Not Call violations occurred. If the call impersonated a specific company or government agency, report to that organization as well — many have dedicated phishing report pages. For calls that involve specific threats or financial loss, the FBI's IC3 at ic3.gov is also appropriate.
Common red flags
- Robocall claims you have won a prize or owe money to the IRS
- Caller ID shows a government agency or familiar company number
- Caller threatens arrest, deportation, or account suspension
- Callback number provided is different from the original caller ID
- Caller has personal details about you to make the call seem legitimate
What to do now
- Note the caller's number, the time, and the gist of what was said
- File a report at ReportFraud.ftc.gov
- Report to the FCC at fcc.gov for robocall violations
- Block the number on your phone
- Never call back numbers provided by suspected scammers
- Visit /report-a-scam for a full directory of relevant agencies
Frequently asked questions
Does reporting a scam call stop it from happening again?
Not immediately to you personally — but aggregate reports lead the FTC and FCC to take enforcement action against calling companies, which disrupts the operations of major scam call centers. Carriers use FTC data to improve call-blocking algorithms.
Should I call back a suspicious number to warn others?
No. Calling back scam numbers confirms your number is active, may result in being charged premium rates on some overseas numbers, and puts you back in contact with the scammer.