Those of you that let the calls roll to your answering machine, voicemail or worse yet answered the call you have just ensured you will receive more of these calls. Maybe not from the same number, but they’ve just identified your number as valid which assures more calls of these 'faux telemarketer calls'. (I call them faux telemarketer calls as they are generally not legitimate telemarketers, but simply scams!) Most of the initial calls originate from software (aka; ‘robocalls’) – once your number is identified as active, then a real person may be there on the follow up calls.
If you have the capability to ‘BLOCK’ the number that called – that is the best action. Since 2010 I have logged and currently block nearly 600 of these nuisance calls.
If you don’t have a blocking option, keep a phone with caller ID close by and simply hit ‘talk’ and ‘off’ simultaneously. This will reduce the number of nuisance calls, but not stop them.
If you really want to block them – in addition to a number of cordless phones available there is software that a layman can install. Of the over 500 calls I’ve blocked, I've only added 16 over the last 3 months. (Most of those are from a new series of numbers that were not previously blocked)
So the message is simple – blocking works…. Using the aforementioned processes I seldom have a second call from a given number. But, when I do - I love it when "Number Blocked" shows on my 'Caller ID!!! (When they call repeatedly it causes me to wonder about how stupid some of these dummies really are!)
Additionally; The Area Code, Exchange or even the entire number displayed on your caller ID probably does not accurately reflect the origin of a call as many of these crooks use software that disguises the originating number. (I've actually seen numbers reflecting my own Area Code and Exchange)
PS: I think Call Notes should add a 'Call Type' for 'Spoof' or 'Scammer Calls'!
Right on... I wish everyone could see your message. Answer your phone or call back and become a "sucker" (their terminology). Telemarketing pus suckers and Monsanto (look them up) are the worst kind of scum.
You are awesome, Telco! After trying the federal and state "Do Not Call" registries, numerous requests to be put removed from caller lists, AND letting all unknown calls roll over to my answering machine, I purchased a Sentry system that had eliminated so many trash callers I cannot tell you. It is a real kick to see them try to call back after being blocked. Smile, smile, smile. After one ring, they get dropped.
This number 281-205-8938 called my land line and left no message. I called the number back anonymously and a woman recording said the call cannot be completed as dialed, please hang up and try your call again. Yup, spoofers, spammers, or scammers.
Didn't answer since it came across as out of area. No message left. I called number back and got message that number was disconnected and no longer in service. How did i get a call from that number if it is no longer in service? Weird.