How to Report a Number to the Police
Reporting a suspicious phone number to the police is an important step in fighting fraud and protecting your identity. With the rise of scams and phishing schemes, it’s crucial to remain vigilant and report any unfamiliar or suspicious numbers to the authorities. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of reporting a number to the police and provide you with useful tips and resources to keep you safe.
Who to Report to
Not all police departments have dedicated phone number reporting units. However, you can generally report suspicious numbers to one of the following:
• Local Police Department: Contact your local police department’s non-emergency line to report the suspicious phone number. They may take a report and investigate if necessary.
• Fraud Hotline: Report the number to a local fraud hotline, such as the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) Phone Fraud Hotline at 1-877-FTC-HELP (382-4357). The FTC can help facilitate the reporting process and forward the information to the relevant authorities.
• NCIC (National Crime Information Center): If the phone number is believed to be associated with a legitimate business or organization, report it to the NCIC hotline at 1-303-630-5068.
When to Report
Report a number to the police if it:
• Appeals to your emotions: Watch out for numbers that create a sense of urgency, such as claiming you have won a prize or threatened your safety.
• Asks for personal or financial information: Be wary of numbers that ask you to provide sensitive information, such as passwords, credit card numbers, or social security numbers.
• Comes from an unknown source: Report numbers that contact you unexpectedly, claiming to be from a government agency, bank, or technical support company.
• Is associated with a business or organization: Report numbers from companies or organizations you’ve never heard of or suspicious activity from familiar businesses.
How to Report
When reporting a number, provide as much information as possible, including:
| Information | Example |
|---|---|
| Phone number | 1-800-1234 |
| Date and time of call | March 10, 2022, 10:30 AM |
| Type of call | Robocall, telemarketing |
| Description of caller | Automated voice, or a person claiming to be from a government agency |
Additional Tips
- Keep records: Document the phone number, date, and time of the call, as well as any details you may have about the caller or the conversation.
- Don’t engage: Avoid engaging with the caller or responding to any demands or requests.
- Don’t provide payment: Never provide payment to a caller claiming to be from a government agency, bank, or technical support company.
- Use call-blocking technology: Consider using call-blocking software or apps to block unknown or suspicious numbers from ringing your phone.
Federal Agencies Involved
• Federal Trade Commission (FTC): The FTC is responsible for combating fraud and protecting consumers’ rights. Report phone fraud to the FTC at 1-877-FTC-HELP (382-4357).
• Federal Communications Commission (FCC): The FCC regulates telecommunications in the United States and may investigate reports of robocalls and other types of phone fraud.
• Secret Service: The US Secret Service is responsible for investigating financial crimes, including phone fraud.
State and Local Resources
For a comprehensive list of state and local resources, check out the FTC’s State and Local Contacts page. This webpage provides contact information for each state’s Attorney General office, as well as resources for reporting fraud and phone scams.
Conclusion
Reporting a suspicious phone number to the police is a crucial step in protecting your identity and preventing fraud. By following the tips outlined in this article and staying vigilant, you can significantly reduce your risk of being targeted by scammers and fraudsters. Remember to report any unfamiliar or suspicious numbers to the authorities, and don’t hesitate to seek help if you are a victim of phone fraud.
