I find some of the remarks posted about these ‘faux telemarketer calls’ amusing. I put together a software program that has logged over 380 of these nuisance calls since 2012. 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 get another of these calls. Maybe not from the same number, but they’ve just identified your number as valid and passed it on. Most of the initial calls originate from software (aka; ‘robocalls’) – once your number is identified as active, then a 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. 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 – there is software available that a layman can install. Of the 380 calls I’ve blocked, only 16 have been in the last 6 months. So the message is simple – blocking works….
PS: I think Call Notes should add a 'Call Type' for 'Spoof' or 'Scammer Calls'!
These people keep calling me!
Yesterday, a woman called and asked if I was the lady of the house. I asked her who was calling, please. She replied, 'This is the pro-life committee. We're working to save unborn babies from abortion". (I didn't want anything to do with this---all I could think to say was "OK".)
The woman then asked me, "Would you characterize yourself as pro-life, pro-choice, or somewhere in between?" I answered, "Somewhere in between", simply because I thought that might get them to leave me alone. I also felt intimidated. This person has my home phone number---am I really going to tell her that I'm pro-choice? Weird call! They called again today. I wish they'd leave me alone.
This is likely the Right Wing Republican Tea Partiers trying to gauge how much public support is out there for their next election agenda. They also will probably hit you up for donations at some point. Best to BLOCK this number and NOT ANSWER any future calls, if you have caller id and can screen.
They cannot threaten you in any way; this would be actionable criminal activity that you could and should report to your local law enforcement.
You should not feel intimidated for your political or moral beliefs; this is supposed to be America where there is FREEDOM of thought, speech and religion.
If you must answer tell them you are not comfortable discussing personal beliefs and issues with strangers over the phone and ASK them NOT TO CALL *ever* again. They cannot, legally, call you again, and MUST put you on an internal DoNotCall List, per the LAW. If they hang up or refuse to do this, then you can file a complaint with the FCC and the FTC as well as law enforcement.
Only if we fight back against the wackos and the criminals will we reclaim our country. Freedom must be fought for, unfortunately.
I have done what you suggest for years and has seemed to help also. I now have a home phone that allows me to block 250 numbers and that has helped a lot too.
I actually sent an email about 6 months ago to 800notes admins suggesting exactly what you have suggested about adding a category for scam calls.
It's true that most scam callers and others do not care or read about their abuse online.
But, some have and then try to respond to these posts with posts of their own trying to convince everyone that the complaints are unfounded and the calls a legitimate. I hope people do not fall for their lies.
Also, the DNC does allow REAL survey calls - ONLY.
A real survey call is one where they simply ask some questions and that is all.
- They cannot tell you to call anyone else or write to someone
- They cannot ask a few stupid questions and then ask if someone can come to you house to "show" you anything
The second they ask if someone can come to your house the call becomes a COLD SALES CALL under the law and that makes it illegal.
Many scammers try to disguise their calls as a call that is allowed. They know many people will then ask are "survey" calls (because that's what the caller "told" them it was) allowed and be told yes, when the call had nothing to do with a survey at.
Also, businesses who had a past relationship with you were allowed to call you. But they have changed that too. A simple past relationship does not make the call legal. Those businesses are now required to get a signed written release from you to be able to call you legally.