Receiving scam calls and texts can be frustrating, but there's always something you can do about it. That is, report to government authorities responsible for tackling scams and scammers and protecting from and preventing scams through the promotion of safety tips and provision of support services.
Reporting a Scam Phone Number, Calls, and Texts
You received a call or several phone calls that meet several indications of scam calls and wonder, “What can I do to stop this caller or phone numbers from calling me again?” The first thing you can do is block the number from contacting you.
Depending on the type of operating system you're using, you could tap and hold the phone number and see an option to block. Click on the block or “block this caller” and the number will be blacklisted. That would prevent further calls from the phone number.
What if you received a text or text messages that appear to meet several indications of a scam and want to know how to prevent further messages? You can follow similar steps from your messaging application.
You could tap and hold the message for the options or check the message box and tap on the three dots usually situated at the top of the message box and find the option to “block and report spam.”
The moves above can help you prevent scammers targeting your numbers from constantly spamming you. And repeating the actions in case they use different numbers to call and text you is the way to go.
In addition, you should consider reporting the scam numbers to government authorities assigned the responsibility of protecting people and preventing scams to enable them to extend protection to others from the same potential scam phone numbers, calls, and texts.
How to Report Scam Phone Numbers, Calls, and Texts
There are several ways to report scam phone numbers to avoid receiving calls and text messages and prevent others from getting scammed and spammed. They include calling and emailing delegated government authorities to report the number, using services provided by legitimate companies specialized in cyber security, and using government-specified online forms to report the scam phone number.
The following are government-specified online platforms to report scam phone numbers, calls, and texts.
- FTC (US) — reportfraud.ftc.gov
- FCC — consumercomplaints.fcc.gov
- DoNotCall.gov
- Canadian Anti-fraud Centre
- Action Fraud (UK) — actionfraud.police.uk
- NCC (NG)
What you have to do include:
1. Visit the government platform relevant to you and confirm the URL is the exact one provided by your government, usually with (.gov) extension at the end.
2. Tap on the report scam button and you'll be taken to the page where you'll be presented with a form.
3. Fill the form with accurate information about the scam or potential scam, including the scam phone numbers you received calls and texts from.
4. Follow the instructions and submit the form when done.
Congratulations for helping us keep others safe from scam phone numbers, calls, and texts. The steps you've taken contributes towards the fight against online scams and help keep people safe.
Always remember to take proactive steps to file a complaint to your local authorities, whether or not you're a victim of a scam, to ensure you get the support and protection you need.
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