You pick up the phone and hear a recorded message — a robocall — or a live person selling something. Maybe it’s not who your caller ID said it was.
It’s frustrating, and you just want it to stop. Recorded sales calls are illegal, unless you give a business written permission to robocall you. If your number is on the Do Not Call Registry, you’re not supposed to get any sales calls — live or recorded. But scammers ignore the rules about when and how they can call you. Scammers can use technology to make their calls look like they come from anywhere: the IRS, a business you know, a neighbor, or even your own number. Because phone numbers can be faked, you can’t trust your caller ID. So now what?
If you get scam calls or illegal robocalls, please report them to the Federal Trade Commission. Call the FTC at 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357) or TTY 1-866-653-4261.
Go online: File a Complaint with the FTC
Your report can help protect other people. By reporting fraud, you can help the FTC’s investigators identify the scammers and stop them before they can get someone’s hard-earned money. It really makes a difference.
4800 Mills Civic Parkway
Suite 100
West Des Moines, IA 50265
P.515.457.9533515.457.9533
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102 S. Main, PO Box 67
Baxter, IA 50028
P.641.227.3161641.227.3161
F.641.227.3720