If the call is still happening, hang up. Do not press a number to reach an operator or to be removed from the list, and do not call a number the recording gives you. If the caller claimed to be from a bank, company, or agency, find that organization’s official number yourself and use it to verify the story.
Before you block or delete anything, save the details that make a report useful: the number that received the call, the caller ID number, any callback number, the date and time, the name the caller used, and what they asked you to pay or disclose. Caller ID can be spoofed, but the FTC still asks you to report what appeared on the screen.
Choose the report that matches what happened
If you received an unwanted call but did not lose money, use the streamlined form at DoNotCall.gov. If the caller took money, obtained sensitive information, or gave you details about the operation, use ReportFraud.ftc.gov instead. Describe the script and payment method in plain language rather than guessing who really owned the displayed number.
You can also file an FCC complaint about an illegal robocall, robotext, or caller ID spoofing. These reports support enforcement and call-blocking work; they are not a customer-service claim and do not guarantee that an agency will identify the caller or recover a loss. Save the confirmation or report number with your other records.
Keep evidence without engaging the caller
Save the voicemail, a screenshot of the call log, texts that came before or after the call, and any email, receipt, or payment instruction connected to it. Write down exact phrases while they are fresh, especially threats, impersonated organizations, and requests for gift cards, cryptocurrency, account credentials, one-time codes, or remote computer access.
Do not keep the scammer talking to collect more proof, and do not post the displayed number as if its owner is confirmed. Spoofing can make an innocent person’s number appear on caller ID. Give investigators the facts you observed: what appeared, what was said, where money was requested, and which number you were told to call.
Block the pattern, not just one number
Block the number on your phone, then check the call-blocking or call-labeling tools offered by your carrier. A device setting or reputable filtering app can silence or label broader patterns, which matters because scammers rotate numbers. Review the privacy terms and settings, since aggressive filters can also send legitimate calls to voicemail.
Registering at DoNotCall.gov is free and can reduce sales calls from legitimate telemarketers, but the registry is not a technical blocker and illegal callers ignore it. Let unknown calls go to voicemail, keep important contacts saved, and review voicemail so a doctor, school, delivery driver, or local business is not lost with the spam.
Act separately on money or information you shared
A phone report does not secure an account. If you sent money, call the bank, card issuer, wire service, gift-card company, or payment app through its official channel immediately and ask what reversal or freeze options remain. If a transfer appeared that you did not make or allow, say that clearly; do not describe a payment you approved as unauthorized.
If you revealed a password or one-time code, change the affected account from a trusted device, end unfamiliar sessions, and turn on multi-factor authentication. If you shared a Social Security number or other identity data, start the tailored checklist at IdentityTheft.gov. Then watch for follow-up recovery callers: nobody can promise to retrieve your money for an upfront fee.
Frequently asked questions
Where should I report a scam phone number?
Use DoNotCall.gov for an unwanted call without a loss, ReportFraud.ftc.gov when a scam involved money or sensitive information, and the FCC complaint center for illegal robocalls, robotexts, or caller ID spoofing.
Will reporting a number stop the calls immediately?
No. A report helps agencies and providers analyze patterns, but it is not an instant blocking service. Block the displayed number and consider your carrier’s call-labeling or filtering tools.
What details should I save before blocking the caller?
Save the displayed number, any separate callback number, date and time, voicemail, screenshots, the name or organization claimed, the request made, and any payment instructions. Note that caller ID may have been spoofed.
Sources and further help
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