how to report spam call to the attorney general

If you believe that you’ve received a fraudulent telemarketing solicitation or if you believe you are a victim of telemarketing fraud, call our consumer hotline for assistance. The number is (800) 771-7755 or visit NYSAG website at: www.ag.ny.gov. Office of the New York Attorney General The State Capitol Albany, New York 12224 (800) 771-7755

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How to report a phone scam in the United States?

Complaint Information. Please explain your complaint: Try to be brief, but be sure to tell WHAT happened, WHEN it happened, WHERE it happened HOW MANY time it happened. Be specific about any oral statements the Scammer made to you, ESPECIALLY those that influenced you to deal with the Scammer.

How do I identify spam calls on my mobile phone?

You can report spam mail to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Send a copy of the unwanted or deceptive messages to [email protected], or visit their website, FTC Complaint Assistant. To view California law governing spam, see Section 17538.4 of the Business & Professions Code. Back To Top Legal Aid Services Advisory

How do you write a complaint against a scammer?

Below are a few ways you can help protect yourself from phone scams. Enroll in the Do-Not-Call List. To reduce calls from telemarketers and scammers, you can enroll your residential and cell phone numbers with the state and federal do-not-call lists. Both lists are free, but they are separate, so review the terms and policies of each.

How do I join the Scam Alert Network?

To report a scam you have seen, use the form below. Please include: Contact information for the business. As much detail about the scam as possible. File Anonymously: If you would like to remain anonymous, simply write "anonymous" in the required fields. If you do not wish to submit a phone number, write "000-000-0000."

Who won the anti-spam lawsuit?

The Office of the Attorney General won the state's first-ever anti-spam lawsuit against a California company found to have violated laws prohibiting unsolicited commercial email, false advertising and unfair business practices.

What is the Strike Five lottery scam?

California consumers will want to be on the alert for an apparent “Strike Five Mega Lotto” winnings scam in which an authentic-looking but bogus cashier’s check arrives in the mail with your name on it. The accompanying letter says the enclosed $3,550 check from a “Wells Fargo & Company Issuer” is provided to “help you make the payment” of the $3,300 insurance/processing fee required before the big funds “you have won” will be paid to you. Supposedly you get to keep the extra $250 for “your trouble.”

What happens if you don't enter the lottery?

If you didn’t enter the contest, you’re not likely to be a winner so don’t trust any “winning” payment check; No legitimate lottery requires a winner to pay money to claim their winnings; Be skeptical of a large check sent to you from someone you don’t know ;

Can you wire money to a seller on eBay?

Do not wire money to a seller. Both Western Union and MoneyGram International encourage you to not use their services when paying for eBay purchases. Do not send a check directly to a "seller" who contacts you after the auction has ended and offers to sell you the item on which you originally bid.

How to report a robocall?

What Should I Do If I Get a Robocall? 1 Hang up the phone immediately! 2 Block their number through your phone provider 3 Report it.

What is the goal of a scammer?

Regardless of their behavior or message, a phone scammer’s goal is to get you to either send them money or provide your personal information. Below are common warning signs of a phone scam:

What is a robocall call?

The call starts with a prerecorded message – called a “robocall”. Claims you have a virus on your computer or requests to log in to your computer. Claims to be a friend or relative in need of money – but they don’t give you any time to think or contact others.

What does it mean when a computer company says your computer has a virus?

An "employee" of a computer company contacts you claiming your computer has a virus and offers to "fix the problem." The person will likely ask you to allow them access to your computer, which then allows the scammer to install malicious software designed to scan your computer for personal information or to lock your computer so that you cannot use it until you pay the scammer "ransom" to unlock it.

How to contact Save the Dream Ohio?

They instruct you not to contact your lender directly. You may risk losing your money and your home. Contact Save the Dream Ohio at 888-404-4674 or www.savethedream.ohio.gov to be connected to a certified housing counselor or legal assistance.

Can scam artists trick you into paying for a loan?

Scam artists can trick you into paying money to qualify for a loan or credit card. Despite their guarantees, you do not receive a loan, credit card, or any money. Never pay money to qualify for a loan, credit card, or grant.

What happens if someone sends you a check?

Someone sends you a check or money order, which you are asked to deposit in your account and wire-transfer the sender a portion of the money, minus a nice bonus for you as a "thank you" for helping out. Regardless of the pitch, the result is the same: The check or money order you receive is counterfeit.

How to make a charitable donation in Ohio?

You receive a call or letter asking you to make a charitable donation from someone who is only pretending to represent a charity. Before you donate, research a charity online or contact the Ohio Attorney General's Office by calling 800-282-0515.

Is a job opportunity a scam?

Some scammers ask job seekers to pay high fees for information, training sessions, or promotional materials that turn out to be useless. The jobs are either nonexistent or very low paying. If a job opportunity sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

What is identity theft?

This occurs when someone fraudulently uses your personal information, such as your bank account number or Social Security number, to obtain credit, take out a loan, receive medical treatment, get identification, or otherwise pretend to be you.

What is a scam call?

Most common scams: A scam telephone call saying you owe “back taxes” or outstanding payments due to the government, typically from callers claiming to be “Internal Revenue Service”, “IRS”, and “US Treasury and Legal Affairs.”. Don’t respond to these callers.

How to stop being scammed?

If you or someone you know are being targeted by scammers, take action to prevent loss. There are a few simple steps you can take: 1 Hang up! Scammers will try to keep you on the phone. The best way to avoid getting scammed is to hang up the phone. Don’t try to talk with them, just end the call. If the conversation is online or by text/e-mail, stop responding, or block the sender. 2 Call us! Whether you need help for yourself or someone else, we want to talk with you. If it is outside of our normal business hours, you can send us an e-mail or leave a voice message. If you need immediate assistance, contact your local law enforcement agency or call 2-1-1 for information and referrals to other helping agencies. 3 Stop payment! If money has been sent (by wire transfer, mail, gift card, or any other means), contact the bank or institution you sent it through right away to stop the money before it is picked up. Usually the funds are picked up quickly by scammers, but it’s worth trying!

What is phishing scam?

In the most common phishing scams, the perpetrator claims to be calling from a person’s bank and requires account information to re-activate their account.

How do I contact the IRS about my back taxes?

If you think you may actually owe back taxes, hang up and contact the IRS directly at 1 (800) 829-1040. Computer Tech Support. Caller or pop-up message on computer which claims to be from Microsoft/Windows or other tech company claiming there is a virus or other serious problem with your computer.

What is the phone number for the Attorney General?

If you have any questions, call our Consumer Hotline at 1-877-877-9392. The Attorney General’s Consumer Hotline is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and is staffed by dedicated volunteers who field more than 50,000 calls each year.

What is scam alert?

The Scam Alert Network provides up-to-the-minute information about scams, frauds and other threats to consumers. Click the link below and enter your email address to be added to the network. We won’t share your email address, and we’ll only send scam alerts.

What happens after a complaint is filed?

If the complaint falls under the DOJ’s jurisdiction, it will be assigned to an enforcement officer. The officer will send you further information, including a file number and a copy of the letter sent to the business that is the subject of the complaint .

Is Oregon a consumer complaint database?

Oregon’s Consumer Complaint Database » is built from consumer contacts since January 1, 2008 and is for information only. It may not offer a complete, accurate or comprehensive account of every incident. Several factors, including a company’s size and volume of transactions, may affect the likelihood of a complaint being filed.

Where to report scam calls?

Accordingly, regardless of whether or not your telephone number is on the Do Not Call Registry, you should report unwanted or scam calls to the FTC as follows: Federal Trade Commission. Consumer Response Center. 600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW. Washington, DC 205 80. (877) 382-4357.

How to list your number on the Do Not Call Registry?

You may list your number of the federal Do Not Call Registry online at www.donotcall.gov, or by calling 1-888-382-1222. Legitimate companies usually honor the Do Not Call Registry and respect the wishes of people on the list not to be called. Criminals, however, typically do not honor the Do Not Call Registry.

What happens if you call back a phone number?

In other cases, the phone number may work for a short period of time while it is answered by the criminal.

What is the FTC?

The Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) has authority to enforce violations of the Do Not Call Registry. It also has authority to enforce federal laws regulating autodialed and prerecorded message calls, as well as interstate fraud perpetrated over the telephone. Accordingly, regardless of whether or not your telephone number is on ...