The Plague of Robocalls

Unwanted calls, including illegal and spoofed robocalls, are the FCC's top consumer complaint. On any given day, I receive anywhere from 4-8 robocalls, and even with my best effort of blocking the caller on my cell phone, the calls continue. According to PR Newswire, 1000+ robocalls are made every SECOND of every day. 

 

Many of the calls are masked, showing a familiar number, a local number, or even an official number such as a number of a well-known company or a government agency. Nonetheless, when I answer the phone, I hear that it is not who I thought it was on the other end. 

 

Due to the severity of this issue, I wanted to share some general tips (and a couple of pro tips) on how to avoid best getting scammed:

 

General Rules:

  • Don't answer calls from unknown numbers.

  • Don't give out Social Security numbers, bank account, or credit card information over the phone.

  • If an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is, so avoid any quick decisions to give money over the phone.

  • Legitimate agencies, such as your bank or the IRS, don't call or text from unknown numbers and don't request personal info over the phone.

Pro Tips:

  • Install an application on your phone that helps block or notify you of potential scam calls. (check out Robokiller!)

  • Register your number to the FCC's National Do Not Call Registry and file reports if you continue to receive solicitor calls. The list only protects people from legitimate or name brand companies, which usually does not include those who use unethical practices such as spoofing.

Put these tips to use and alleviate some of the calls that keep your phone ringing non-stop every day!

Lynda Buel