How to report a phone / robocall scam

The 10-step phone-scam reporting checklist

1. 1

   Don't call back or press any keys

   Pressing a key (even '1 to be removed') confirms the line is active and triples the call volume. Hang up. Block the number from your call log.

2. 2

   Capture the basics

   Note the calling number, date and time, what they said (claimed agency, dollar amount, payment method), and any callback number or website mentioned. Screenshot the call log entry.

3. 3

   Report to GACS

   Submit at /report. The number is added to the public scam database within minutes so the website checker and social scanner flag it for the next person.

4. 4

   Report to the FTC

   File at reportfraud.ftc.gov — 5 minutes, no account. The FTC feeds reports into the Consumer Sentinel Network used by 3,000+ law-enforcement partners and attorneys general.

5. 5

   Add to the Do Not Call registry

   Register your number at donotcall.gov (US). Already registered? Use the same site to file a complaint — the FTC uses these complaints to pursue robocallers.

6. 6

   Report to the FCC

   File at consumercomplaints.fcc.gov — pick 'Unwanted calls'. The FCC pursues spoofing and STIR/SHAKEN violators and can fine carriers that look the other way.

7. 7

   Report to your carrier

   AT&T: forward to 7726 (SPAM). Verizon: report via Call Filter. T-Mobile: Scam Shield app. Carriers feed reports into the network-level block list — one report can stop the number for millions.

8. 8

   Report to the impersonated agency

   Fake IRS call → tigta.gov. Fake SSA → oig.ssa.gov. Fake Medicare → 1-800-MEDICARE. Fake bank → call the number on the back of your card. They track these campaigns and warn customers.

9. 9

   If money was sent, file with IC3 and your bank

   US: ic3.gov (FBI). UK: actionfraud.police.uk. Canada: antifraudcentre.ca. Then call your bank / card issuer immediately — wires can sometimes be recalled within 24 hours; cards are usually chargeable for 60–120 days.

10. 10

    Warn your network

    Post the number on the local NextDoor/Facebook group and on the GACS public page. Robocalls run in tight geographic bursts — a single warning can spare a whole neighbourhood.

Free copy-paste reporting templates

Reports written in plain English with concrete evidence get actioned faster than walls of text. Copy a template, swap in the details, and paste.

Type: Phone / robocall scam
Number that called: +1 (XXX) XXX-XXXX
Date / time: [date] [time], [timezone]
Claimed identity: [e.g. IRS Tax Resolution Department]
What they wanted: [e.g. immediate payment of $4,200 in Apple gift cards to "settle a federal warrant"]
Callback / website given: [number or URL]
Did I lose money: [yes / no — if yes, how much and via what method]
Notes: Caller used spoofed Caller ID showing my local area code. Recording / transcript attached if available.

Forward any related SMS to 7726. For voice calls, take a screenshot of the call log entry showing the number, date, and duration; reply to the 7726 auto-response with the screenshot or the number.

FAQ