Home and neighborhood
Who handles unwanted robocalls or telemarketing calls?
Who handles it
Two federal agencies: the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) takes reports of phone scams and Do Not Call violations, and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) takes robocall complaints.
- Federal
- Not State
- Not Local
Facts checked November 5, 2026 · 3 sources
Why federal government
Callers can reach you from anywhere in the world, and the FCC regulates interstate and international communications.
What to do next
- Set up call blocking on your phone. Scammers ignore the National Do Not Call Registry, so blocking is your best defense.
- Register your number for free at donotcall.gov to cut sales calls from real companies.
- Report phone scams or Do Not Call violations to the FTC, or file a complaint with the FCC.
What varies
Many states also keep their own do-not-call lists. Your state’s public service commission or consumer protection office can tell you how to sign up.
Learn the background: How do federal, state and local laws fit together?
Sources
Official recordFCC: Stop Unwanted Robocalls and Texts
Official recordFTC Consumer Advice: How to Stop Unwanted Calls
Official recordUSAGov: Federal Communications Commission (FCC)