Easy Ways to Stop Spam Calls

Here are your AARP Top Tips for Stopping Spam Calls.

(“Hello, this call is officially a final notice from I.R.S.”).

Robocalls are the top consumer complaint to the Federal Communications Commission.
Many of these unwanted calls are meant to deceive you into handing over money or sensitive information. And each year, the problem gets worse.
 
In the meantime, here are a few things you can do to reduce your odds of being hounded by robocallers.
Don’t answer calls from unknown numbers. The Federal Communications Commission recommends letting them go to voicemail.
 
Ironically, many recipients of unwanted calls think they’re wasting the caller’s time by keeping them on the line. But when the call records are reviewed it looks like you were interested—so you might graduate to another list to be called again.
Signing up to the Federal Trade Commission’s National Do Not Call Registry won’t stop scammers, but it’ll make them easier to spot since legitimate telemarketers don’t call registered numbers.
 
If you go a step further and report an unwanted call to the FTC, the consumer-protection agency will have valuable information such as the time of call, business name and phone number.
If you’re getting unwanted calls on your smartphone, get an app.
Robocall-blocking apps include Nomorobo—which works with landlines, too—RoboKiller and Hiya. The free YouMail app is also popular.
 
You can sign up for your phone company’s spam-blocker service as well. 
If your phone rings once then stops, don’t call it back—that’s a common trick to get you to call a spammer.  Anyone who really needs to reach you will call for real.

If you do pick up and someone starts talking, beware of come-ons that promise debt reduction, preapproved loans, cheap vacations, time-shares, home security systems or medical supplies. The caller may claim to be from the government or a utility company. In all of these cases, just hang up.

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[robm]

That doesn't tell me anything I don't know already what needs to happen is way tougher laws and very tough penalties this is getting ridiculous the FCC is a joke

[tbjtbj]

How about getting the politicians to make a law charging the phone company for allowing the robo calls to go through.

[Docsjeff]

Do NOT EVER CALL a number Back that is Not on your contacts list!!!

[jimmyhaga]

Unwanted calls should not be happening. They call you any time night and day doesn't matter what time it is.

[bigcheezmoe]

I usually get the caller on the phone and get my daily anger out on them. Also tell them they are better served by using their time to get an education and contribute positive movement in society. Works great

[kathleenmenker]

Several years ago I stopped answering either phone unless I knew the caller.
Before that I had answered my home phone once to a scammer who purported to be my grandson needing money to fix his car. I asked if this was my oldest grandson, using his first name. The caller said it was. I said, “Wow! You’re only 11! How did you get a driver’s license?” Fast hangup, lol.

[teresagoodwin]

I actually answered an unknown number at my son's home a number of years ago and I cut off the caller by saying, "You aren't even supposed to be calling this number!" He was taken aback and said, "Why not". I said for starters we are on the do not call registry.. LOL 🤣 He actually hung up on me before I could hang up on him 😂😂😂

[raleighchinn]

On landlines, get a telephone answering machine and let all incoming calls go to answering it. Only answer phone numbers you know and never say, “yes” to anyone you do not know as they will take the “yes” out of context.

[scottrayhons]

I must not be worth much to AARP cause they won't spend a 1st class stamp on me. I get more junk mail from AARP in a week than I get first class mail in a year. AARP is more of a problem than spam callers.

[benjamindover]

Reporting the numbers, time of day, etc to the FCC is a HUGE waste of time. The number on your phone is not the caller’s and the scammers are from out of the country. Why make such a recommendation?

[frannyleyden]

One scammer called my mom, claiming to be her grandson and in need of money. She said;" Really, which one are you?" He hung up.

[Vaportrail]

Robo caller are already illegal but the phone company makes money off it so they're not going to prosecute or stop it from happening

[joeharris]

I welcome these calls. I'm stuck in the house alone.
I play with them for entertainment. When I'm notified my
vehicle warranty is going to expire, they ask for make and year.
I tell them it's made by Stanley and it's year model '19. If they need further
information I tell them it's a 1919 Stanley Steamer coal burner. Or I just
have normal chit chat. No need to be rude. I know
I'm wasting their time, but, hey, they called me.

[noordinyusufaly]

The problem is that our younger generation that knows all about this do not take the time to sit down and talk to the elderly and let them know about the different scams and telltale signs that they are scammers specially if you get a pop up, text, e-mail, or voice message saying to call a number since there has been an unauthorized charge in your name and the person on the other line has an Indian accent. Be safe🙏

[Goldarr]

“ Get an app” 100% of the time, you have to pay for the app. The cellular phone companies should take care of spam callers, but they don’t.

[inyourdreams]

I just block their numbers, as asking to be put on their do not call list DOES NOT WORK ! I let the phone ring, then go into my phone log and block their numbers . Getting less and less calls that way . Yippee 🥳

[rosaspanjol]

I never answer unknown calls, I immediately block them.I don’t waste my valuable time answering calls that I don’t recognize.

[ceflaco]

Don’t answer unknown number, let’s them leave a voicemail then if is someone you know call it back

[micklaube]

That do not call list is total BS, I think that’s where telecallers get numbers. That is my experience and mho

[skipperx]

I mostly don't answer calls from unknown numbers. If it is important the caller will leave a voice mail. However, occasionally when I am feeling testy, I will answer the call. I usually ask the caller where they got my phone number. I make it an issue and take control of the call. They will usually hang up.