Robocalls are out of control

[Drew99GT]

Is anyone else now getting sometimes 5 to 10 robo spam calls on their cell phone daily??? I am, and it's driving me nutz! They spoof the numbers so it has my area code. It's out of control. Why is the government allowing this garbage to happen?????

Am I the only one?

 

[quint]

Same here, especially in the last few weeks. Almost always shows my area code, and sometimes uses the same first three digits of my number. Several times they have left messages that say something along the line of "Hi just returning your call about the free trip, thanks" then they hang up.

 

[MinamiKotaro]

No automated calls, no telemarketers, no spam email, nothing for me.

 

[azjake]

Here's my solution to this problem.

Don't go after the telemarketer, go after the phone companies and cell phone providers who are making a ton of money selling large blocks of numbers to these clowns.
Put the burden on them. After all they are the ones making money selling to telemarketers. Here's how it would work.

First prohibit any spoofing of numbers. Make possessing the software to spoof numbers illegal and subject to fine or arrest.
Let's be honest there is no legit business reason for any one or any company to spoof their number.

Anyone who wanted a landline or cell phone number would be required to sign a statement saying they will NOT call or solicit anyone on the do not call list. If they do
they will have their service immediately terminated by the phone company or cell phone provider.

When someone on the do not call list receives a telemarketing call they would file a complaint that would then go the phone company or cell phone provider who sold
the telemarketer that line/number.

After a small number of complaints (say 20) the phone company/cell phone provider would then be required to shut off the number/service of the offending caller.

If the phone company/cell phone provider does not shut them off within 48-72 hours, they (the phone company or cell phone provider) will be fined by the FTC.

The phone companies/cell phone providers will be required to keep a nationwide database of all individuals/companies who have had their number/services terminated.
After a set number of terminations, that company or individual will no longer be able to get any service from phone companies or cell phone providers.

 

[JHZR2]

Yes I've noticed it on my work cell number of all places.

Also think non profits should not be exempt on the do not call registry. Ive gotten calls on my home line, interrupting dinner time and whatnot, and Ive been told its "OK" because they are a non profit.

 

[Blueskies123]

Go to the NOMOROBO website and use their phone software to block Robo calls. It is a little tricky to set it up but just carefully follow the instructions.

 

[RF Overlord]

Sign up for Nomorobo. It's free for your landline and it's saved me from hundreds of calls. They also have a mobile service, but I believe there's a small fee for it. I don't get robocalls on my mobile so I haven't tried it.

 

[dishdude]

They keep spoofing a number that's close to mine...the area code and exchange are the same but the last 4 digits are different. At least I know not to answer, but it makes it impossible to block since they always change the last 4.

I also keep getting calls from "Windows Operating System" telling me I have a virus.

 

[Rand]

5-10 per day. sometimes its a light day only 1-2

This is on my cell phone.

 

[FADEC]

Great post Azjake! I agree 1000%.

 

[alex_at]

it's horrible.

A few weeks back I saw it on the news, callers with faked numbers call, ask a simple question for you to answer with yes. That's what they want. Then in the background they use (cut) your recorded "yes" so that it looks like you agreed upon a contract. Very very greedy.

This needs to stop, there should be a way to stop this on government level.

 

[demarpaint]

I get at least 10 a day, the cell at the moment isn't too bad. I block them with NOMOROBO so the phone only rings once, but it is still an annoying PITA. I like Azjake's idea too.

 

[SteveSRT8]

Hahaha, my fav robodork is "Don't hang up!"

That way you know to hang up immediately.

Seriously, as long as folks occasionally respond they will keep coming...

 

[Lyman]

I get 1 or 2 a day minimum. Usually at the most inopportune time. Most are spoofed numbers in my area code.

 

[RichardS]

None, oddly enough. And my number is the same number I've had since I was a teenager. I guess no one wants to give me a free trip

 

[mclasser]

Yeah it's picked up much more recently. They either use the same area code and first three digits as my cell or some random [censored] area code, and, of course, don't leave a voicemail.

My rule is to never answer any call I don't recognize. If they don't leave a message, then it's garbage.

 

[LoneRanger]

Originally Posted By: alex_at
it's horrible.

A few weeks back I saw it on the news, callers with faked numbers call, ask a simple question for you to answer with yes. That's what they want. Then in the background they use (cut) your recorded "yes" so that it looks like you agreed upon a contract. Very very greedy.

This needs to stop, there should be a way to stop this on government level.




I'm all about finding them and beating the living [censored] out of them. If it could be done... and gotten away with.

 

[itguy08]

I've noticed it too. My new phone (ZTE Axon 7) came with the Hiya app integrated - it works very well at finding and stopping them from at least ringing. I believe they have a stand alone app for Android and iOS too.

 

[sleddriver]

Originally Posted By: RF Overlord
Sign up for Nomorobo. It's free for your landline and it's saved me from hundreds of calls.
I don't think NMRB works on a landline. I looked into it to save me at home. If you have a VOIP phone, it will work.

 

[javacontour]

Have it on my AT&T uVerse phone.

Maybe it depends on the home phone provider?