What options does one have to defend themselves against intrusive callers?
• The Do Not Call list (Federal or State)
Works, but is effective against ONLY "legitimate" telemarketers. Political callers, surveys and some other callers are exempt. Scammers ignore the DNC list.
• Nomorobo
A system offered by some telephone providers, to help automatically block robocalls. Google "nomorobo" to see if it works with your phone provider.
• Shouting, screaming, swearing at the caller
Nope. Does not stop calls. May make you hoarse, and will disturb nearby people.
• Call blocker app, device or service
Could be a good choice (even though the scammers can use fake phone numbers), and some apps are free!
Google "call blocker" for more information, or check your favorite online sales site for a list.
http://gg.gg/blockers
Your phone provider may also offer blocking services. Check their web page for information.
If you cannot use any of the above defenses, then:
• Do not answer calls from unknown numbers ... let them go to voicemail or answering service
• Do NOT return calls from unknown numbers! All that does is verify your phone number! And, in some cases, those return calls may cost $20 or more to complete. http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/one-ring-cel ... ing-your-wallet
• If you have a "dumb" cell phone, assign the scammer's number to a group named "scammers" (or similar). Then, assign a silent ringtone to that group.
This board is simply a sounding board for people to vent and inform others of scam telemarketing calls they receive. There is no authority associated with the 800notes site to stop these callers. In order for people to collectively stop these type calls they must act together - and TAKE ACTION! It doesn’t do any good to complain about a caller on this board unless you then take the next step and do something about it! The caller ID number is usually a ‘Spoof Number” – A Fake! Never, never, ever engage the caller or call back the number. The false robocallers will then capture your number as a ‘live one’ and use it over and over and sell it to other scammers. The same goes if it prompts you to ‘press a key’ to ‘opt out’ of their calling lists, or be transferred to someone, as this will only ‘log’ your number as a working one and make it ripe for future calls and to be sold to other scam companies as well.
The best option is simply to hang up, keep your own list of calling numbers with dates and times and report them to the FCC below. There is space on their complaint form to list several calling dates and times of a repeat caller.
The DO NOT CALL list is worthless, they do not act on anything, just build a database of numbers.
In order to do something to help stop these type calls, everyone - EVERYONE needs to file an online complaint directly with the FCC. If they receive enough complaints about a particular number - they will act on it. Do it today and pass along the info: