Reporting a Scam

There are so many types of scams it can be difficult to know the difference between something real and something malicious. Scams can come in many kind of formats and themes. The most common formats are phone calls, emails, and mail. Scam artists may try to convince you they are a loved one or they are tech support from a company. Scam artists are known to send fake checks, prizes, and sweepstakes offers. They are even known to con you out of personal information by pretending to give student loans or scholarships.

It is important to remember to never give personal information out over the phone or email unless you are certain the person on the other end is who they say they are. For example, the IRS will never call you to tell you there is a warrant out for your arrest and you must pay them now to avoid being arrested. Scam artists create a sense of urgency to pressure you into something you wouldn’t normally do.

If you are able to tell something is a scam before giving out information, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is the main agency that collects reports of scam and pursues them. You can report scams to them online here, or you can call them at 1-877-382-4357. If you have given information away and you think it was a scam, call dispatch at 406-568-2321 to make a report.