FAQs
If you are receiving a lot of scam calls from debt collectors or others, see the box below called, "Take Action: Report Bad Actors!" and report them. In addition to reporting them, here are some other tips: Put your number on the National Do Not Call Registry. Go to donotcall.gov or call 1-888-382-1222.
What do you do if a scammer won't stop calling? ›
Report scam calls and texts
Report phone and text scams to ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
How do I stop debt relief scam calls? ›
Here are five things you can do right now to shut down phone scammers and avoid the Credit National Assist scam:
- Ignore or screen unknown callers with a spam protection app. ...
- If you answer, wait to speak — and don't respond with “yes” ...
- Don't give out personal information until you verify a caller's identity.
What happens if a debt collector keeps calling? ›
If the collector continues to contact you after receiving a written notice to stop or after you've told them you have a lawyer and have provided the lawyer's contact information, they are likely violating the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). You can sue the debt collector for violating the FDCPA.
What to do when spam calls won t stop? ›
You can register your numbers on the National Do Not Call Registry at no cost by calling 1-888-382-1222 (voice) or 1-866-290-4236 (TTY). You must call from the phone number you wish to register. You can also register at add your personal wireless phone number to the national Do-Not-Call list donotcall.gov.
What to do if a scammer keeps contacting you? ›
Report Phone Scams
If you've lost money to a phone scam or have information about the company or scammer who called you, tell the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. If you didn't lose money and just want to report a call, use the streamlined reporting form at DoNotCall.gov.
Is it better to ignore or decline spam calls? ›
It's better to ignore spam calls. When you decline a call, it can alert the spammer that your phone number is active, prompting them to call you again. If you use a call-blocking tool that uses caller ID, you should never answer calls labelled as spam.
What is the 11 word phrase to stop debt collectors? ›
If you are struggling with debt and debt collectors, Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC can help. As soon as you use the 11-word phrase “please cease and desist all calls and contact with me immediately” to stop the harassment, call us for a free consultation about what you can do to resolve your debt problems for good.
How many times can a debt collector call before it's harassment? ›
Please allow me a few moments to provide you with an answer. Generally speaking, the debt collector is not able to call you more than seven times within a seven day period. If you feel you are being harassed by a debt collector, then I suggest you send them a cease-and-deist letter via certified mail.
Can I verbally tell a debt collector to stop calling? ›
Regardless of how they're contacting you, you have the right to tell a debt collector to stop. This request must be made to the debt collector in writing. The CFPB offers sample letters for asking a debt collector to stop contacting you.
The National Do Not Call Registry was created to stop sales calls from real companies. It's free to register your home or mobile phone number.
Why am I suddenly getting a ton of spam calls? ›
You may be reusing an old number targeted for spam calls. Usually, it happens when you get a new phone number that has been previously used by someone else. Scammers may continue to call the number, hoping to reach the previous owner; Your number may be on a robocall list.
How do I block spam calls completely? ›
Method 1: Activating DND on your number
You can block all marketing, promotional or irrelevant spam messages and calls by activating DND on your number by following these simple steps: Head over to the default Messaging app on your phone. Create a new message and type FULLY BLOCK. Send it to 1909.
How to get rid of someone who won't stop calling? ›
Practical Non-legal Suggestions. Depending on what method of communication is being used, often you can easily block the person's phone number if the communication is originating from the phone. Most phone carriers allow you to do this online or you can stop by a local store for assistance.
What not to do if a scammer calls you? ›
Scam artists spoof calls to make them appear to be from a local telephone number. Even if a number appears to be local, it is best to avoid calls from numbers with which you are not familiar. Hang up. If you answer a call that seems suspicious, hang up.
What happens if I return a call from a scammer? ›
When you call back a spam number, you're playing directly into the scammer's hands. You could expose sensitive data on the call or make yourself a target for further scam attempts.
What can you do if someone keeps calling you? ›
Hang up and report it to the Federal Trade Commission at complaints.donotcall.gov or 1-888-382-1222.