When consumers tell telemarketers to add them to the Do Not Call List, what happens if the consumer continues to receive calls? Typically, no action is taken until the consumer files a report with the FTC.

Consumers can  file a report if (1) there is a suspicion of a scam that is causing legitimate harm;  (2) the consumer lost  money due to a scam; or (3) to report bad business practices. The claim is recorded on https://reportfraud.ftc.gov and goes to thousands of law enforcement agencies.

To file a report, a consumer must have the following information:

1. Telephone number that appeared on the caller ID
2. Any number referenced during the call

The exact date and time of the call are not required but are helpful. Consumers are directed to use DoNotCall.gov to report a call that did not result in a monetary loss.

How does the consumer recover money? The FTC has recovered money for many consumers, which can be seen here: https://www.ftc.gov/enforcement/refunds. However, consumers are encouraged to take the following steps to recover money based on how money was paid. See the following:

Gift card:

• Locate the receipt from when the gift card was purchased.
• Call the gift card company immediately.
• Save the gift card.

Wire Transfer:

• Contact the bank or company that handled the wire transfer. If the consumer used a money transfer company, the fraud claim can be made as follows:

(a) MoneyGram at 1-800-MONEYGRAM (1-800-666-3947)

(b) Western Union at 1-800-325-6000

• Make a specific request to reverse the wire transfer.

Credit/debit card:

• File a dispute (also called a “chargeback”) with the credit or debit card company.
• Follow up with a letter to the credit or debit card company that is addressed  to the Billing Disputes Department. Consumers are directed to use the FTC’s sample letter.
•  Save all documents related to the scam.
• Review ftc.gov/credit to learn about your rights.

Electronic Bank Transfer or Withdrawal:

• Contact the bank immediately and request the bank to stop the transaction or recover the money from the company’s/person’s account. Advise the bank of the suspected scam and bank account number where the money was sent.
• If the bank refuses to assist, file a complaint with the CFPB at consumerfinance.gov/complaint.

Mail:

• Contact the U.S. Postal Inspection Service at 877-876-2455.
• Ask the U.S. Postal Service to “intercept” the package. To learn more about this process, consumers are asked to visit https://faq.usps.com/s/article/USPS-Package-Intercept-The-Basics.
•  Otherwise, contact whatever delivery service used as soon as possible.

Money Order:

• Contact the company that issued the money order to stop payment.
• Try to stop delivery of the money order using the above steps.

Cryptocurrency:

Although typically difficult, the FTC recommends consumers try to contact the company they used to send the money and tell them it was a fraudulent transaction. Ask to have the transaction reversed, if possible.