How do we stop these endless and unwanted calls?

How do we stop these endless and unwanted calls?
                        

Why are you getting so many calls? Often it’s scammers calling. Here’s what the Federal Trade Commission has for you about unwanted calls and how to stop them. The article is at www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-block-unwanted-calls.

Scammers can use the internet to make calls from all over the world. They don’t care if you’re on the National Do Not Call Registry. That’s why your best defense against unwanted calls is call blocking. Which type of call-blocking or call-labeling technology you use will depend on the phone, whether it’s a mobile, traditional landline or home phone that makes calls over the internet.

Mobile phone:

Download a call-blocking app. A call-blocking app acts like a filter. The company behind the app uses call data or reports from users to predict which calls are illegal or likely scams. The app then intercepts those calls before they reach you. Some apps are free, but others charge a monthly fee. Calls might be stopped, ring silently or go straight to voicemail.

See what built-in features your phone has. Many cell phones come with menu options that let you block calls from specific numbers, though there might be a limit to how many numbers you can block. Mobile phones also typically have features like Do Not Disturb, where you can set hours during which calls will go straight to voicemail.

See what services your carrier offers. Check your phone carrier’s website or call customer service to find out what call-blocking services it offers or recommends.

Traditional landline:

Install a call-blocking device, typically small boxes you attach to your phone. Some devices use blacklist databases of known scam numbers but let you add numbers you want blocked. Other devices rely on you to create and update your own blacklist of numbers to block. Some use blacklists to stop unwanted calls, divert calls to voicemail, show a blinking light when an unwanted call comes in or connect callers to a recording with options so a real caller can still get through.

Some devices also use whitelists of approved numbers. That helps you limit which calls get through or lets you set up “do not disturb” hours during which calls go straight to voicemail. There also are devices that try to weed out robocalls by playing a prerecorded message, prompting callers to press a number to continue the call.

See what services your carrier offers. Some services are free, but some charge a fee.

VoIP: Voice over Internet Protocol services typically are through a cable company or use a phone/internet/cable bundle.

Internet-based call-blocking services can block unwanted calls on phones that use the internet. Your carrier might be able to recommend a specific service. But you also can search online for expert reviews. Some services are free, and some charge you each month.

Some internet-based services and mobile apps require all calls to be routed through their service, where they are instantly analyzed. You may have choices about how unwanted calls are handled. For example unwanted calls might be stopped, ring silently, go straight to a separate voicemail or go to a spam folder. See what your carrier offers. Check your carrier’s website or call customer service to find out about options or if there’s a service it recommends.

If you answer the phone and hear a recorded message instead of a live person, it’s a robocall. Robocalls trying to sell you something are illegal unless you’ve given the company your writtenpermission to call you that way. If someone is already breaking the law by robocalling you without permission, there’s a good chance it’s a scam. At the very least, it’s a company you don’t want to do business with.

Call blocking can help stop robocalls from scammers. But some robocalls might still get through. If you get an illegal robocall, hang up.Don’t press a number, which could lead to more robocalls. Then report it to the FTC at www.donotcall.gov.

Some robocalls are legal and don’t require your permission, like purely informational messages, political calls or calls from charities. But if they also try to sell you something on the call, it becomes an illegal robocall. Learn more at www.ftc.gov/robocalls.

Visit www.bbb.org/canton or call 330-454-9401 to look up a business, file a complaint, write a customer review, read tips, follow us on social media and more.


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