How to report scam calls and texts in the US

Reporting a scam call won't usually get your money back, but it's how agencies build cases, how carriers learn which numbers to block, and how the next person gets warned. The trick is knowing which place handles what. Here's the short version, then the details.

Quick guide: where to report

• Unwanted sales call or robocall, no money lost: donotcall.gov
• Scam call or text, especially if you lost money or shared details: ReportFraud.ftc.gov
• Robocalls, spoofing, or a problem with your phone service: the FCC
• Scam that used the internet, email, apps or crypto: the FBI's IC3
• Local businesses, or you want help from someone in your state: your state attorney general
• Scam text: forward it to 7726
• Everyone who'll get the same call next: ShadyCall

You can report to more than one. Duplicates aren't a problem, because the agencies share data.

The FTC: ReportFraud.ftc.gov

The Federal Trade Commission is the main place to report fraud of any kind: impersonators, fake prizes, tech support scams, bogus debt relief and more. Go to ReportFraud.ftc.gov or call 1-877-382-4357. The FTC doesn't resolve individual complaints, but reports go into a database that law enforcement agencies across the country use to investigate.

If you gave out your Social Security number or someone opened accounts in your name, go to IdentityTheft.gov instead, which builds a personal recovery plan.

Do Not Call complaints: donotcall.gov

For unwanted sales calls and robocalls where you didn't lose money, use the complaint form at donotcall.gov. It's quicker than the full fraud report. You can complain about robocalls even if your number isn't on the Registry, since sales robocalls generally need your written permission either way. If your number is registered and a telemarketer called after 31 days, say so.

The FCC: fcc.gov/complaints

The Federal Communications Commission enforces the rules on robocalls, robotexts and caller ID spoofing. File at fcc.gov/complaints (choose Phone, then the unwanted calls option), or call 1-888-225-5322. It's free. If someone is spoofing your number, there's a specific option for that. The FCC uses complaints to spot trends and target enforcement; it won't usually respond to each one individually.

The FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center: ic3.gov

If the scam used the internet (a phishing link, a fake website, email, a payment or messaging app, or cryptocurrency), report it at ic3.gov. This matters most when you've lost money or the scam involved crypto, investments or a fake romance. Include transaction details, wallet addresses and screenshots.

Your state attorney general

Every state attorney general has a consumer protection office, and many have their own Do Not Call or telemarketing laws that go further than federal rules. They can sometimes mediate with a real business. Find yours through the National Association of Attorneys General at naag.org/find-my-ag.

Your phone carrier

• Texts: forward the message to 7726 (SPAM).
• Calls: use "Report spam" in your phone's recent calls list, or your carrier's app: Verizon Call Filter, AT&T ActiveArmor or T-Mobile Scam Shield.
• Harassing or threatening calls: call your carrier's support line. They can trace and block in ways you can't.

Special cases

• Someone pretending to be the IRS: also report to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration. See IRS scam calls.
• Someone pretending to be Social Security: report to the SSA's Office of the Inspector General. See Social Security scam calls.
• A real debt collector breaking the rules: the CFPB. See debt collector calls.
• Threats of violence or an immediate danger: call 911.

What to include in any report

• The number that called or texted you, exactly as it appeared, even if it may be spoofed.
• Any callback number they gave you.
• The date and time.
• Who they claimed to be and what they wanted. Quote them if you can.
• For texts: a screenshot, and any links (don't tap them).
• If you paid: how, how much, and any transaction or receipt numbers.

Write it down right after the call while it's fresh.

Common questions

Will reporting get my money back?

Rarely on its own. Your best chance is contacting your bank, card issuer or payment app fast. See what to do if you've been scammed. And watch out: anyone who contacts you offering to recover your money for a fee is running a second scam.

Is it worth reporting if I didn't lose anything?

Yes. Most reports come from people who didn't fall for it, and that's what lets agencies and carriers act before others do.