Report Fraud: Text messages
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Government & Law Enforcement Agencies
Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Complaint Assistant - This U.S Government service is designed to streamline the complaint process for every type of fraud. You can file a complaint online, print a copy, and get expert advice on what you need to do. Topics cover everything that falls within Rip-offs, Imposter Scams, Mobile Devices, Telephones, Internet Services, Online Shopping, Computers, Education, Jobs, Making Money, Credit, Debt, Robocalls, Unwanted Telemarketing, Text, and SPAM. or call FTC Hotline at 877-701-9595
Report incidents. Report fraud to
reportfraud.ftc.gov or call (888) 382-1222. The FTC wants the number and name that appeared on the caller ID as well as the time of day and the information talked about or heard in a recorded message. If you think you've been a victim of a vishing attack you can also contact,
the Internet Crime Complaint Center.
File a complaint with the FCC if you receive an unwanted commercial email message sent to your mobile phone, an autodialed/prerecorded telephone voice message, or an unwanted text message to your mobile phone. There is no charge for filing a complaint. Call 1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888-225-5322).
For those outside the US, the following numbers can help out. In Canada report vishing or phishing attempts online at the
Reporting Economic Crime Online government organization, or call 1-888-495-8501. In the UK, you should make your report directly to the bank indicated in the scam.
Web Sites, Email, and Messaging:
- Spam: Forward spam that is phishing for information to spam@uce.gov and to the company, bank, credit union, or organization impersonated in the phishing email. Most organizations have information on their websites about where to report problems.
- Phishing: You also may report phishing emails to reportphishing@antiphishing.org. The Anti-Phishing Working Group, a consortium of ISPs, security vendors, financial institutions and law enforcement agencies, uses these reports to fight phishing.
Report Spam Text (Android, Apple, Apps):
If you get an unwanted text message, there are three ways to report it:
Prevention:
Register your number with the National Do Not Call registry at donotcall.gov. Even though criminals and unscrupulous telemarketers may ignore the list, if you are on the list and get a call from a supposed telemarketer, that could be a tip that the offer is bogus. Most legitimate telemarketers obey the rules and laws about contacting consumers. Also, the Website provides a place where complaints can be filed.