I apologize if my earlier post is unclear, I was attempting to respond to someone who earlier posted about the virtues of Google Voice and the fact that the call was able to obtain a transcript of the rogue telemarketing scum caller. I believe that this is a relatively useless practice if not harmful trend. Yes. It will help YOU block calls. It won't prevent the telemarketers from calling though.
800Notes is a great service but those who promote blocking services are not really contributing much since these telemarketers are will not be prosecuted unless people report these calls to the government. YOU NEED to report to FTC. Not every day, but once in a while.
Most useful information posted from contributor named VCSR from page 9:
This message is long, but PLEASE read:
SCAMMING AND PHISHING CAN ONLY SUCCEED IF THERE IS A MARKET; AND THE MARKET NEEDS TO BE EDUCATED AND REMOVED! The crooks and scamsters are bottom feeders that have no limits, conscience, respect or mothers. Only you are in control.
ON CELL OR LAND-LINE PHONE: If you don't recognize the name/number, DO NOT ANSWER... even if it appears to be a local call .. numbers are being spoofed. If you happen to answer, DO NOT RESPOND IN ANY WAY; NOT BY VOICE, SELECTED NUMBER OR CALL BACK! A legitimate caller will be identified, will leave a name, message, and call back number, giving you the option to respond. It will respect the DNC. You can file a complaint about offenders on the DO NOT CALL REGISTRY. Your registered number NEVER expires. Be sure to register your fax and cell phone too.
ON COMPUTER, SMART PHONE: PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR WIFI CONNECTION, THAT IT IS SECURE. If contact is in the form of a pop-up, text or email, DO NOT SELECT ANY LINK. Assume any response to be a hidden link or number... (to hell). After all, they are scammers and you dont truly know what you answered or consented to do, give or buy, (for which your number may be billed). If in the form of an email, open full address, take a screen shot then delete the email.
A legitimate company notification will identify you by name, will not ask for verification and never send you a link. No matter how real, authentic looking, promising or threatening it appears, DO NOT RESPOND. BE IMMEDIATELY SUSPICIOUS IF ASKED FOR ACCOUNT OR ANY VERIFICATION! BE SMART! DO NOT USE A CALL BACK NUMBER THEY OFFER...get your own... call your private contact number to this company and check. Follow their instructions. They will probably request a copy of the suspect communication in some form... varies. They need to know when they are being spoofed and reporting may protect you. If you suspect that your information may have been hacked, you can apply a "fraud alert" by notifying the 3 credit bureaus....it's free.
Texting is a way to get around those of us who do not answer. Do not respond. Copy the text for reporting.Take a screen shot of the entire text, including the phone number or short code. Save it, then delete the text. REPORT.
HAVE, KEEP UP TO DATE, AND USE, AN ANTI-VIRUS APP ON BOTH COMPUTERS AND CELL PHONES.
And don't waste your time with cute answers...there's no use or satisfaction and they don't care. They just move on to irritate or hook the next sucker. The longer you keep them on the line, the longer your access is open. Don't forget...they called you..they have your number and can get your address. We know they are crooks, but they might be crazy crooks having a bad day. If using the 855 exchange, you may be getting charged for the time and your fun.
Regarding the DNC, you do not have to answer. Just dialing your number is an offense. File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission for any and all unwanted and/or unsolicited calls (cell or land-line), texts, scams, phishing, ID theft, and others at www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/Information#crnt
SHRED! Be mindful of what information you might be giving away... (look at your receipts). Many financial institutions, communities, and senior centers offer this service free.
I realize the limitation on companies and government to track, eliminate or prosecute the rampant proliferation of offenders... and the diabolical cleverness and resources of crooks who choose not to work for a living. HOWEVER, the government and their legislators, all providers of internet access, TV and their news casts, and any others that have immediate access and the attention of the consumers, have let the public down and need to take RESPONSIBILITY for EDUCATION. THERE IS NONE! There are only successful crooks if there is a market, and that market could be removed, or at least, greatly reduced. Warnings could be sent as easily as that notice about upgrades. Education should be provided openly, frequently and emphaticly on how to recognize and deal with scamming, phishing, and the potential for identity theft, whether it be in email, phone, pop-up, or text. Right now, it depends on the reporting community sites alone, and their existence is not well known.
EDUCATE YOURSELF AND SHARE....thank you for support and reading.
just got a call from this number, they did not leave a message, added the number to my "Blocked" contact name, next time they call it will show the called as "Blocked" and i wont answer, i have over 100 such numbers in my "Blocked" contact.
Caller ID = "SOLAR SOLUTIONS." Robocaller named Steve introduced itself, I acknowledged. Then it just hung up on me. I already have a solar electric system installed by a reputable local company, which never uses telemarketers.