We seem to get them all the time.
The phone rings, we answer it, and a recording makes an offer or tells us we
have won something and tells us to call a phone number. We are firmly in the
era of “robocalls.”
Some robocalls are legal if they
are from political candidates running for office or from charities asking for
donations. But if they are selling something, and they do not have your written
permission, then the call is illegal. Many illegal robocalls are scams.
Since the beginning of the year, there
has been a dramatic increase in robocalls. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) attributes
the increase to technology. And, scammers have adopted a new technique to trick
you into answering the call.
Called neighbor spoofing, the
scammers have programmed their computerized robocall systems to show a phone
number like yours on your caller ID. It’s designed to make you think that a
neighbor or a local business is calling you. The area code and prefix might be
the same as yours with different last four digits.
The FTC suggests that if you
receive a robocall, hang up. Often there is a selection to talk to an agent or
to be taken off their call list. Do not select any options that the robocall
might give you. You might be added to a list, often called a “suckers list,”
that tells the scammer, and any other scammers who have purchased your phone
number, that you are an easy mark.
The FTC also suggests that you
contact your phone provider and ask them to block the number. Some providers
might charge for this service. Also report the robocall to the FTC online at https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/#&panel1-1
or by phone at (888) 382-1222.
Federal Trade Commission:
For an interesting insight to robocalling, check out this
podcast episode. Warning, there is some offensive language.
NPR Planet Monday Episode 789:
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