FTC Resources for Reporters
Phishing Scams and How to Spot Them
The FTC encourages consumers to file a complaint whenever they have been the victim of fraud, identity theft, or other unfair or deceptive business practices. They can do it online, or by calling the FTC’s Consumer Response Center at 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357). Although filing a complaint will not guarantee that their problem will be fixed, it can help the FTC and other agencies investigate and take enforcement actions whenever it is warranted. The FTC compiles complaint data that it receives, along with data from other agencies, into a database called Consumer Sentinel Network that is available to more than 1,800 law enforcement organizations in the United States, Canada, and Australia. The Consumer Sentinel Network allows members to spot emerging and long-term trends and helps U.S., Canadian, and Australian law enforcement agencies to combat fraud.
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