Unwanted Calls

Here’s how they work:

When you answer the phone, you either get a robocall—a recorded message—or a live salesperson. Perhaps it’s not the person your caller ID claimed to be. You just want it to stop because it’s so annoying.

If you do not provide a business formal authorization to robocall you, recorded sales calls are prohibited. You should not receive live or recorded sales calls if your number is on the Do Not Call Registry. But con artists don’t follow the guidelines about when and how they can contact you.

With the help of technology, scammers can make calls appear to be from the IRS, a company you know, a neighbor, or even your own number. You cannot rely on your caller ID because phone numbers are spoofable. What happens next?

Here’s what you can do:

1. Hang up. Never hit a number when prompted. If you get an unsolicited call, just end the call. To lessen the amount of unsolicited calls you receive, think about using call-blocking services. Read professional reviews about your options and inquire with your phone provider about call blocking. Visit ftc.gov/calls to learn more.
2. Give a friend this information. Even if you might be aware of how to handle unsolicited calls, it’s likely that you know someone who isn’t.

Source: Federal Trade Commission – Consumer Information
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/features/pass-it-on/unwanted-calls