">

A robocall complaint is useful, but it isn't a switch that turns off spam calls. Report the call to the agency that matches the conduct, then put a filter between you and the next call. Fraud and impersonation belong with the Federal Trade Commission. Unwanted calls, texts, and spoofing go to the Federal Communications Commission. Covered telemarketing that continues after registration can be reported through the National Do Not Call Registry.

A filing gives regulators a record of calling patterns, numbers, scripts, and payment demands. It doesn't guarantee that a specific caller will be stopped or that you'll receive a personal response. Blocking and labeling are the measures most likely to reduce calls quickly.

Where the report belongs

Route Best use What you can expect
FCC Unwanted calls or texts, caller ID spoofing, and phone-related violations Complaints support policy work and potential enforcement. The FCC doesn't resolve every individual unwanted-call or text complaint.
FTC Fraud, impersonation, fake offers, and scam calls Reports help identify patterns and possible illegal callers.
Do Not Call Registry Sales calls made after your number has been registered long enough The registry can reduce covered telemarketing calls, but it isn't a shield against scams or every type of call.
Phone carrier or call-blocking app Immediate filtering and spam labels Blocking can prevent calls from reaching you; labeling warns you but may still let the call through.
State attorney general An identifiable business, repeated telemarketing, or a state-specific complaint Procedures and enforcement options vary by state. Start with the USAGov complaint guide.

Don't force a call into one box. A fake bank call may belong with the FTC, FCC, your carrier, and possibly your state attorney general.

Evidence worth keeping

Don't call the displayed number back or follow instructions from a suspicious recording. Caller ID can be spoofed, so the number on your screen may belong to an unrelated person or business.

Before filing, write down:

A clear transcript often helps more than a long description. If you keep an audio recording, make sure recording is allowed where you live. Keep passwords, full bank or card numbers, Social Security numbers, and other unnecessary sensitive details out of the complaint.

If the calls repeat, use a simple spreadsheet. Record each incident separately instead of submitting one vague report that says the caller contacted you "many times."

FCC complaint steps

Use the FCC Consumer Complaint Center for unwanted calls, unwanted texts, and suspected spoofing.

  1. Open the complaint form.
  2. Select unwanted calls/texts as the phone issue.
  3. Choose all other unwanted calls/messages for a typical robocall or unwanted contact.
  4. If your own number is being shown as the caller ID, choose my own number is being spoofed instead.
  5. Enter the date, time, receiving number, displayed caller ID, and a factual description.
  6. Explain the suspicious part: a prerecorded sales pitch, impersonation, payment demand, or request for account credentials.
  7. Submit the complaint and save the confirmation page or email.

The FCC doesn't resolve individual unwanted-call or text complaints, but your submission can help the agency identify patterns, providers, and technologies tied to illegal calls. Use cautious language when you don't have proof. Write "the caller claimed to be" or "the displayed number may have been spoofed," rather than treating a suspicion as a fact.

FTC scam report

Use ReportFraud.ftc.gov when the call involved fraud, impersonation, a fake government notice, a bogus debt, an investment offer, or a request for payment or personal information.

The report should cover:

You don't need to know whether the call meets a legal definition before reporting it. The FTC uses complaint data to analyze patterns and identify possible illegal callers. A ReportFraud submission isn't a promise of an individual investigation, refund, or follow-up.

If you paid or shared financial credentials, contact your bank, card issuer, payment service, or other provider right away through an official contact method. Ask about account protection and transaction-reversal options. Change any compromised password and don't reuse it elsewhere.

Do Not Call Registry basics

Register your personal numbers at DoNotCall.gov. You can register up to three numbers at a time. Open each confirmation email and click its link within 72 hours so the registration becomes active.

The registry mainly covers sales calls. It generally doesn't stop political calls, charitable solicitations, surveys, calls from businesses you permitted to contact you, or scam operations that ignore the law. Some calls may also fall under specific exceptions.

Give the registry up to 31 days before treating a sales call as a possible Do Not Call violation. After that, use the reporting option on DoNotCall.gov and provide:

Scam calls don't become acceptable because your number is on the registry. Send those reports to the FTC too.

Blocking and labeling

Reporting helps regulators; blocking helps your phone stop ringing for similar calls.

The FTC's guide to blocking unwanted calls covers cell phones, home phones that use internet service, and traditional landlines.

Start here:

  1. Use built-in phone controls. Block a number after the call and check settings for unknown or suspected spam callers.
  2. Turn on carrier spam protection. Many providers offer call blocking or caller ID labels through an account setting or app.
  3. Consider a third-party app or device. Check permissions, privacy practices, subscription price, and automatic-renewal terms before signing up.
  4. Review blocked calls occasionally. Filters can mislabel a doctor's office, delivery service, school, or another legitimate caller.

Blocking and labeling do different jobs. Blocking attempts to keep a call from reaching you. Labeling lets the call through but shows a warning such as "spam" or "scam likely." Neither proves who placed the call, especially when spoofing is involved.

Scammers change numbers often, so blocking one number may not end a campaign. Keep the filter on and report meaningful new patterns instead of relying only on manual blocks.

State attorney general complaints

A state complaint is most useful when you can identify the company, product, salesperson, or local business behind the calls. It can also be an extra route for repeated telemarketing or a possible violation of state consumer-protection rules.

Use USAGov's guidance on telemarketer and scam call complaints to find the appropriate federal and state options. State forms may ask for different information, and a state filing doesn't guarantee a personal investigation or recovery of money.

Attach or summarize your call log, but send only what the form requests. If several people in your household received calls from the same operation, each person can keep an individual record and file a separate report.

Simple complaint template

Use this as a starting point and adjust it to the agency's form:

Subject: Unwanted robocall received on [date]

I received a [prerecorded message/live call] on [date] at [time and time zone] on my number ending in [last four digits].

The caller ID displayed: [number]
The caller claimed to represent: [company or organization]
The call asked me to: [pay, click a link, provide information, or take another action]

The message said: "[short, accurate transcript]"

My number was registered with the Do Not Call Registry on [date], if applicable.
I suspect caller ID spoofing because [brief reason], if applicable.

I have a call-log screenshot, voicemail, or other supporting evidence. Please add this information to your complaint records.

Name: [name]
Preferred contact information: [email or phone, if requested]

Don't state that a law was violated unless you know the relevant facts. A factual report is easier for an agency to evaluate.

After you submit

Keep your own record of:

The FCC complaint system isn't a personal case tracker, and regulator databases don't promise enforcement. If calls continue, add new incidents to your log and use your carrier's blocking tools. Avoid paying a third party that promises guaranteed removal or compensation.

A government complaint also isn't a lawsuit and doesn't automatically create a right to payment. If you think you may have a private legal claim, the answer depends on facts such as consent, the type of call, the caller's identity, and applicable federal and state rules. Complaint forms don't decide those questions.

Common questions

Is every robocall illegal?

No. Some calls may be permitted because of consent, an existing relationship, the type of message, or an exemption. The Do Not Call Registry also doesn't cover every category of caller. Report the facts without guessing at the legal conclusion.

Will registering with DoNotCall.gov stop scam calls?

Not reliably. Registration can reduce some covered sales calls, but scammers may ignore the registry. Use call blocking and report scams to the FTC.

What should I do if the number was spoofed?

Report the number exactly as it appeared and say that you suspect spoofing. Don't call the displayed number, accuse its owner, or post the number publicly.

Will the FCC call me back or remove the caller?

The FCC doesn't resolve individual unwanted-call complaints. Your report may contribute to enforcement or policy work, but blocking through your phone or carrier is the more immediate response.

Should I report the same call to both the FCC and FTC?

Yes, if it fits both agencies' roles. The FCC is suited to unwanted calls, texts, and spoofing; the FTC is suited to fraud and deceptive schemes. Use the Do Not Call route when the issue is a covered sales call after the registration period.

Save the call details while they're fresh, then file the complaint while the caller ID information and message are still available.