Can You Report Scam Calls and How

Everyone · How-to · Updated October 1, 2026 · LearnLife Editorial

What information do you need before reporting a scam call?

Before starting the reporting process, gather as much detailed information about the scam call as possible. This helps agencies investigate and take action. Key details to collect include:

• The phone number or caller ID that appeared on your phone. Even if the number looks suspicious or spoofed, record it exactly as shown.
• The date and time of the call.
• A summary of what the caller said. For example, did they claim to be from a government agency, your bank, or a utility company? Did they threaten you or offer a prize?
• Whether the caller asked for personal information such as your Social Security number, bank account, passwords, or payment details.
• If you received a voicemail or text message linked to the call, save and keep a copy.
• How you responded to the call — did you hang up immediately, ask questions, or follow any instructions?

For example, you might write down: “On March 10 at 3:45 p.m., I received a call from 555-123-4567. The caller claimed to be from the IRS and said I owed back taxes. They asked for my Social Security number and payment over the phone. I hung up immediately.” This detailed account will make your report more useful.

What are the step-by-step instructions to report a scam call?

Reporting scam calls involves several important steps to ensure your complaint reaches the right organizations and leads to action:

1. Do not engage with the scammer beyond identifying the call. Avoid sharing any personal information or agreeing to anything. This protects you and preserves evidence.

1. Write down or record the details of the call immediately after hanging up. Use the checklist from the previous section to make sure you document everything.

1. Report the call to the Federal Trade Commission. Visit the FTC’s complaint website or call their consumer helpline. The FTC collects scam reports to identify patterns and take enforcement actions. You can say, “I would like to report a scam call that claimed to be from the IRS asking for payment over the phone.”

1. File a complaint with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), especially if the call was an illegal robocall or telemarketing call. The FCC enforces rules against unwanted calls and can issue fines.

1. Contact your phone service provider. Tell them about the scam call, provide the number, and ask if they offer call-blocking or tracing services. Many providers can add scam numbers to their blocklists or help you set up phone features to reduce unwanted calls.

1. If you suffered financial loss or identity theft, report the incident to your local police department. You can call the non-emergency number to ask where to file a report or visit the station. Police reports help document the crime and may be required for insurance claims.

1. Consider filing a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center if the scam involves serious fraud, threats, or interstate crime. The IC3 handles internet-related crimes but also accepts scam reports involving phone calls.

Here is an example of how to phrase your report to the FTC: “I received a call on [date] from [phone number]. The caller claimed to be from [organization] and said [summary of message]. They asked me for [personal info or payment]. I did not comply, but I am concerned about this scam call.”

Repeating these steps for each scam call you receive helps authorities build a stronger case against fraudsters.

How can you tell if your scam call report was successful?

You may wonder how to know if reporting scam calls made a difference. Because many reports are handled collectively by federal agencies, you might not receive direct confirmation or immediate results. However, some signs indicate progress:

• If you notice that the scam phone number no longer calls you or is blocked by your phone provider, this suggests action was taken.
• Agencies like the FTC publish annual reports and summaries showing trends in scam calls and enforcement actions taken based on reports.
• You may receive follow-up contact from your phone provider or law enforcement if they require more information.
• If you continue to get fewer scam calls overall, it means reporting and blocking efforts are working.

Keep in mind that stopping scammers takes time because they often change phone numbers or tactics. Regularly reporting new scam calls improves chances of investigations and enforcement.

If you don’t see immediate change, continue reporting and use call-blocking features to reduce exposure. Persistence is key.

What should you do if reporting a scam call does not stop the calls?

If scam calls keep coming after you report them, take additional actions to protect yourself:

• Use call-blocking apps or phone settings. Many smartphones have built-in features to block specific numbers or filter unknown callers. Third-party apps can provide extra protection by identifying likely scam calls.
• Register your number on the National Do Not Call Registry. While scammers don’t always follow this list, it reduces calls from legitimate telemarketers.
• Change your phone number if spam calls become overwhelming and blocking is ineffective.
• Be cautious about sharing your number. Avoid posting your phone number publicly online or giving it out unnecessarily.
• Educate yourself on how to recognize scam calls. Learn common scam tactics and phrases to avoid falling victim.
• Report ongoing scam calls repeatedly, giving updated information each time.
• If you suffered identity theft or financial loss, act quickly. Use resources like IdentityTheft.gov to report and recover.

For example, if you receive a robocall threatening arrest unless you pay immediately, block the number, report it to the FTC and FCC, and do not respond. If calls continue, update your reports and consider speaking with local consumer protection offices for advice.

Can you report scam calls to the police? When should you?

Reporting scam calls to the police is sometimes necessary but depends on the situation. Local law enforcement agencies often do not have resources to investigate every scam call, especially if no financial loss occurred. However, you should contact the police if:

• You were defrauded and lost money or property.
• The caller threatened your safety or the safety of others.
• Your identity was stolen or your personal information compromised.
• You want to file an official police report to support insurance claims or legal action.

Police departments may refer you to consumer protection agencies or federal authorities if the scam is outside their jurisdiction. It is helpful to call the local police non-emergency number to ask how to report a scam call in your area and whether a police report is recommended.

In general, start with federal agencies such as the FTC or FCC, then escalate to police if the scam involves threats, financial harm, or identity theft. Knowing the right agencies to contact speeds up help.

How can different audiences adapt the process of reporting scam calls?

Different people may face unique challenges or needs when reporting scam calls, so adapting the process helps ensure everyone can protect themselves:

• Older adults may find scam calls confusing or intimidating. Encourage them to keep a notebook for scam call details and seek help from family or trusted community members to report calls online or by phone.
• Parents should teach children and teens about the risks of scam calls and monitor family phones. Children should know never to share personal info and to tell a trusted adult if they get suspicious calls.
• Business owners and employees should train staff on recognizing scam calls and develop clear policies for reporting suspicious calls to management and authorities.
• People with limited English proficiency may need access to multilingual resources or support from consumer protection groups offering translation help.
• Individuals with disabilities might use assistive technology and require accessible reporting methods or help from caregivers.

Across all groups, the key is to remain calm, avoid providing information, save detailed notes, and report promptly. Community education programs, senior centers, schools, and workplaces can support awareness and reporting.

Frequently asked questions

Can I report scam calls if I don’t have the caller’s number?

Yes, you can still report scam calls without the phone number. Describe the call’s content, time, and any other details. Agencies use this info to track scam patterns even if the caller ID was blocked or spoofed.

Is it safe to report scam calls online?

Yes, official reporting websites like the FTC’s and FCC’s are secure and legitimate. Avoid sharing sensitive personal information beyond what is necessary to describe the scam call.

What if I accidentally gave information to a scam caller?

Immediately contact your bank or credit card company to protect your accounts. Report identity theft to IdentityTheft.gov and notify local police if necessary. Change passwords and monitor your accounts closely.

Can reporting scam calls prevent others from being targeted?

Yes, your report helps authorities identify scam trends and warn the public. Collective reports increase the chance of stopping scammers and protecting others.

Are there tools to automatically detect and block scam calls?

Many phone companies and smartphone apps offer call-blocking and scam detection features. Some apps alert you if a call is likely a scam. Combining these tools with reporting provides stronger protection.

How do I know if a call is a scam before reporting?

Scams often involve urgent threats, requests for payment, or asking for personal info. If you feel pressured or something sounds suspicious, it’s best to report the call and hang up. See detailed signs in guides about scam call detection ([](#r5)).