What To Do About Unwanted Calls

You pick up the phone and hear a recorded message — a robocall — or a live person selling something. Maybe the caller is different from who appeared on your caller ID. It’s frustrating, and you just want it to stop. Robocalls trying to sell you something are illegal, unless you give a business written permission to robocall you. If your number is on the Do Not Call Registry, you’re not supposed to get any sales calls — live or recorded. But scammers ignore the rules about when and how they can call you.

Scammers can use technology to make their calls look like they come from anywhere: the IRS, a business you know, a neighbor, or even your own number. Because phone numbers can be faked, you can’t trust your caller ID. So now what?

• Hang up on unwanted calls and don’t press any numbers. Consider call-blocking services to reduce the number of unwanted calls you get. Ask your phone carrier about call blocking and read expert reviews about your options. Learn more at How to Stop Unwanted Calls.
• Pass this information on to a friend. You may know what to do about unwanted calls, but chances are, you also know someone who does not.