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Not another robocall! We’ve all felt that way. Wondering what to do about robocalls? Check out this new video:

The FTC worked with AARP to create a series of videos about imposter scams – including robocalls, IRS imposters and Medicare scams. While the videos are aimed at older Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, the tips apply to everyone. For three Fridays, we’ve highlighted these videos: first Medicare scams, then IRS imposters, and now robocalls.

In this week’s video, you’ll hear about imposter scams that come by robocall, and some steps you can take. The robovoice may claim to be a utility, a government agency, or even a foreign consulate. Don’t believe them. Instead:

  • Hang up on illegal robocalls. Is the recording trying to sell you something? Did you give your written permission to get calls from that company? No? Then that call is illegal. No need to feel like you’re being rude when you hang up.
  • Consider protecting yourself with technology like a call blocking app or device. You also can ask your phone provider if it has call-blocking tools. To learn more, go to ftc.gov/calls.
  • Report the call. Report robocalls at ftc.gov/complaint. The more we hear from you, the more we can help fight scams.

For more information about stopping imposter scams, visit ftc.gov/imposters.

Search Terms
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Topics
Unwanted Calls, Emails, and Texts
Unwanted Calls
Scams
Phone Scams
Jerry
March 29, 2019
I send all calls directly to voice mail now except calls on an accepted caller list. It has helped immensely. Most robo callers don't leave messages and simply hang up.
PCD
March 30, 2019

In reply to by Jerry

I let go to voicemail and then add to contact list. From there I “ block caller”.
Chulu
March 30, 2019

In reply to by Jerry

When I have the time, I like to interact with the live operator that often comes on the line. I tie them up for as long as possible before letting them know that I'm aware they're scamming me. Then they're the one screaming and yelling because I tied up their phone and wasted their time! It's fun to turn the tables.
Writer
March 29, 2019
Good advice. Thanks!
efenster
March 29, 2019
The problem is that these scammers are using fake called IDs. A few weeks ago, a call I received was actually supposedly coming from myself. How do you block that?
JHG
March 29, 2019

In reply to by efenster

Since you are not calling yourself, don't answer. And if you don't recognize the number, let it go to voicemail.
Barb53
April 06, 2019

In reply to by efenster

I agree, they use another line where you hear it click over? I have the blocking device, but all DAY long!!!
Chat_Kath47
April 06, 2019

In reply to by efenster

I had the same thing happen to me a couple of days ago, the patter was that my computer will be shut down in the next few hours unless I gave an update of my information. It was MY name and number on Caller ID -- and have no idea, either, how to block that call without blocking my own name and number!
Drool
April 12, 2019

In reply to by efenster

I received around 6 calls one week supposedly from myself. I reported it to Cox Communications, they opened a ticket (whatever that means) and I also reported them to the FTC No Call Registry. All that and I still get them. Providers and our government have to step up.
NotAgain
May 21, 2019

In reply to by efenster

That’s called ‘spoofing’ Google Spoofing and it will explain and help.
Bushwacked
March 29, 2019
I have and still occasionally receive robocalls. When they first started I would answer and then realized they were trying to get cash for this or that. I would tell them if I needed their service I would be calling companies myself. Then would hang up. I'd write down that phone number then never answered that number again.
JB615
March 29, 2019
On 3/28/19 We received 5 calls to insure an auto for service ex. Hitting the no thank you key not working. The caller was just fishing for any car to insure. When I tell them we only use goats & wildcats they seem to be come confused?? If the first thing said is this is being recorded, I hangup..
green blue sky
March 29, 2019

In reply to by JB615

Just hang up, don't hit any key, any response = live person responding and that just encourages the robocall corporations.
ujb3900
March 29, 2019
I get at least 10 to 15 calls a day which I don’t answer. Very irritating
AcesUp
April 17, 2019

In reply to by ujb3900

I've dramatically cut down on robocalls (not completely!) with a simple trick. My voice mail recording starts with the 3 SIT tones that indicate a disconnected number (you know, the 3 tones that play before the "This number is no longer in service" message). Many, but not all, automated calling systems are programmed to remove a phone number from their calling list when they hear these tones because it costs them money for each call. You can get this audio file on the web. Play it on your computer when recording the message for when calls go to your voicemail. Most cell phone providers now provide a way to block unwanted numbers. I must have over a 100 of them blocked now! I went from getting 2 or 3 robocalls a day to getting maybe 1 ever y few weeks.
bruceps
March 29, 2019
the current complaint form requires too much information and requires multiple screen following. A simple listing of the offending call number and the reason to assume it is bogus (says they are Soc.Sec.) on a higher level screen should be sufficient.
FTC Staff
March 29, 2019

In reply to by bruceps

Please go to FTC.gov/DoNotCall to report unwanted calls.

The only required information: your phone number and the date.

You can choose to give the number that called, the name of the business and your contact information - if you want.

Papito
March 29, 2019
Thanks For Sharing.
Copper
March 30, 2019

In reply to by Papito

I have made numerous complaints to the FTC using their formal complaint process to include dates, times, and numbers which has not helped. Being a former phone company employee, the calls can be traced to the actual caller whether spoofed or unspoofed and the technology exists to stop this. Now we are being told to download a 3rd party app to block or manage the robocalls? This poses another problem because the provider of the app could be dubious and most charge for the service. The FTC should direct providers to provide their own blocking apps for free to paying customers as a band aid and then work with the providers to coordiante and use their technology to stop this. Telling people not to pick up the phone or hang up isn't the solution.
nokomislou't u…
March 29, 2019
I automatically put it into "call block" it the call is out of area, toll free or I don't recognize the name. I have never reacted, bought into or been kind to these people and I do not intend to be kind. They begin calling at 8 a.m. and do not stop unti 8 p.m. I scream into the phone and use foul language and this seems to deter them . I am sick and tired of all the calls, I get anywhere from 20 to 30 a day and it is irritating when I am napping. I'm 78 years old and do not need nor appreciate this kind of aggravation.
CDBon't use yo…
March 29, 2019

In reply to by nokomislou't u…

I am in the same situation and the same age! I block all the calls and then get the same people using a different number - usually with an area code that's just like mine. It is so frustrating all day long.
gherringut
March 29, 2019
I have completely used all my call blocks on my phones. The roboto callers have so many numbers that you block one and they just use another. Now I am getting calls using my name and phone number. Very upsetting. whom else are they calling using my caller id name and number?
PeaceGuardian
March 29, 2019
Robo calls are bad enough. What can be done to stop rogue contractors from selling residential phone numbers? Anytime I get an estimate from a contractor I get several calls per day from other contrators for months. If I happen to answer one of their calls, I stop them from their sales pitch, ask to be removed from their list, and the second I tell them I’m on the Do Not Call List, they disconnect. With that said, it doesn’t stop the next one from calling shortly after.
zuman342
March 29, 2019
I have reported Numerous robo calls and NOTHING GETS DONE. So tell me what is the sense of doing it ?
Don't use your…
April 06, 2019

In reply to by zuman342

I agree!!! The no call list is a JOKE. I have had to contact FTC also. I must get at least 30 or more calls a day!!! This is about the back brace scam. Now they have billed and got paid thousands of dollars from Medicare. I’m so so sick of this. Just wish I could stop them.
Benician
March 29, 2019
It only makes me angrier when I read that to protect myself, I need to hang up or buy a blocking app or device. When I put my phone numbers on the do-not-call list, I expect not to get called by marketers, robo or otherwise. This seems to me to be a governmental/legislative issue that is simply not being taken care of (probably due to robo-calling, campaign contributing lobyists) !
green blue sky
March 29, 2019

In reply to by Benician

Yep. Congress/FCC can't bear to place the burden of blocking robocalls et al on the telecommunications industry, far better to let the public bear the burden of annoyance, being scammed, spammed, phished, etc.
Honor
March 29, 2019
Personally I simply rely on my caller ID. If I don't know you, I don't answer. If a call is blocked, restricted, or unknown, they don't get to hear my voice and neither does my voicemail. Cell phones and landlines can now easily block numbers and people you want nothing to do with.
waltc
March 29, 2019
3/29/2019 Insert this on your messaging service: "I am monitoring my calls, please state your business and leave your name and number Thank you." Watch your scammers hang up quick.
Floresmimi
March 29, 2019
I want to know where can I report all the calls I get from scammers?
Seamon
March 29, 2019
Still waiting for the government to do something
Deesee
March 29, 2019
I made the mistake by putting my phone number on a few sites where I was trying to shop around for car insurance quotes, and some similar things, now I'm being deluged by robocalls and actual live calls. Is there a way out?
Abby12345
March 29, 2019
Pls no robot calls
Lucy
March 29, 2019
The scammers have found a way around the call blockers now...i.e. NoMoRobo. They are now calling me "live", not with robocalls. Just FYI...they keep trying to beat the system!
sony
March 29, 2019
There's usually a period of silence after you say "Hello". That's the tip-off.
Arnold
March 29, 2019
The phone companies are complicit because they permit spoofing.
Ken
March 29, 2019
Most people would submit complaints to you guys but don't because of the Draconian on-line form process - endless questions to answer. Simplify the process and more will submit complaints. Thanks.
FTC Staff
March 29, 2019

In reply to by Ken

Please go to FTC.gov/DoNotCall to report unwanted calls.

The only required information: your phone number and the date.

You can choose to give the number that called, the name of the business and your contact information - if you want.

 

deoguard
March 29, 2019
Spoofing should not be allowed. Imagine, being allowed to be anybody and call everybody? What kind of logic is that. If business needs another number then they should register and pay for that extra number. It's not an excuse to use any number.
Maria
March 29, 2019
I do not answer the phone. It rings all the time, with spoofed numbers, fraud schemes, insults. I look on my called ID box every couple of hours, and if I see a legitimate number, I will call back.
sfer
March 29, 2019
The number of calls seems to increase monthly. I never pick up because it simply lets the scammer know they've reached an actual number. I recently reported a spoofing call - a call using my number (six in one morning and one the previous day) but given the ability of these scammers to switch numbers constantly, I don't think there is any way to stop them.
Dee
March 29, 2019
Got a call today saying my SS# was compromised and being cancelled. This was left on answering machine
Jmb1940
September 22, 2019

In reply to by Dee

Same here they said suspicious activity with you social and that my social is being suspended and criminal charges are being filed against me like seriously
Lynn
March 29, 2019
I keep a very loud whistle special for robocalls and scam calls. I'll wait for a real human to get on and let them have it. I've had a few call back with their sob story about how my blowing a whistle in their ear has "hurted they're ears " Oh well, too bad in my opinion. Then don't waste my time calling me to try to scam me.
You Shouldn't
May 03, 2019

In reply to by Lynn

This could be considered intentional assault, charges may be filed in such cases.
Non believer D…
May 03, 2019

In reply to by You Shouldn't

To file charges they would have to identify themselves
Mike2
March 29, 2019
Maybe there should some action against the phone companies.
Susan
March 29, 2019
I find if I answer with something other than hello, like "____" residence, they hang up right away.
Concerned consumer
March 29, 2019
866 610 1273. Supposedly a pharmacy. They do leave a message to call them back . Can they be stopped.
Deb2
March 29, 2019
When I get robo calls at work or sales calls, I hit the transfer button and send the call to the fax machine:) Super satisfying to know they will be listening to an irritating "beep" for a while.
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