Look up the area code
The first step is to identify where the call is coming from. Every US phone number starts with a 3-digit area code that indicates its geographic origin. You can look up any area code on this site to see which city or region it serves, along with demographic information, time zone details, and related area codes.
Keep in mind that caller ID can be spoofed — scammers can make a call appear to come from a local number even when it originates elsewhere. The area code tells you where the number was originally assigned, not necessarily where the caller is located.
Signs of a scam call
According to the FCC and FTC, common warning signs include:
- The call is from an unfamiliar number and involves a recorded message rather than a live person.
- The caller claims to be from a government agency (IRS, Social Security Administration, Medicare) and threatens action if you don't pay or provide personal information.
- You are asked to pay via gift cards, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency — these are always red flags.
- The caller asks you to "press 1" to be removed from a list — this only confirms your number is active.
- The caller ID shows a number that looks like yours (neighbor spoofing) or a number you recognize but the caller is unfamiliar.
What to do
- Don't answer calls from numbers you don't recognize. If you do answer, hang up immediately if anything feels off.
- Don't share personal information — never give out account numbers, Social Security numbers, passwords, PINs, or other identifying information over the phone.
- Don't press any buttons or respond to prompts. Pressing numbers to speak to someone or be removed from a list only confirms your number is active.
- Verify independently — if the caller claims to represent a company or agency, hang up and call back using an official phone number from their website or your account statement.
Block unwanted calls
The FCC allows phone carriers to block suspected illegal robocalls by default. Most carriers also offer call-blocking tools, and there are third-party apps that can help:
- Contact your carrier about call-blocking features — most major providers offer free or low-cost options.
- Use call-blocking apps (check reviews and choose reputable ones).
- Set a password on your voicemail to prevent unauthorized access.
- Register your number on the National Do Not Call Registry — while this won't stop scammers, it reduces calls from legitimate telemarketers and makes scam calls easier to spot.
Report the call
Reporting scam calls helps the FTC and FCC track down illegal callers and enforce penalties:
- Report to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov — include the number on your caller ID, any number you were told to call back, and the date and time of the call.
- File a complaint at the FCC Consumer Complaint Center — choose the "unwanted calls" category.
- Forward spam text messages to 7726 (SPAM) — most carriers support this.
The FTC publishes reported phone numbers each business day to help carriers and app developers block illegal calls. Your reports directly contribute to enforcement actions against robocallers.