Block Robocalls – Robocalls, automated or computer generated phone calls, text messages, etc. are no fun to get. This article will show ways you can block or reduce the robocalls you get.
Block Robocalls
Preventing Annoying Telemarketing Calls
In a previous blog post, Do Not Call Registry I talked about how to get yourself on the Do Not Call Registry. Here is an article compliments of NAPS about how to Block Robocalls.
While some recorded messages like flight delays or school closings are welcome, others are not. Robocalls, or unsolicited prerecorded calls and SPAM text messages from businesses or organizations, aren’t only annoying, but illegal under federal law if sent to your mobile device without your consent.
Some calls may ask you to press a number to be removed. Legitimate companies will adhere to your request; however, some dishonest organizations will call you even more.
Fortunately, wireless companies are working on easy ways, many times for free, to help you avoid robocalls.
What You Can Do
You play an integral role in stopping robocalls.
If you get an automated call or text you didn’t sign up for to your cellphone, report it to the proper organizations and/or authorities.
Here’s how:
• Forward the SPAM text messages which are sent from a phone number to 7726 (or SPAM). This free text exchange with the carrier will report the SPAM number and you will get a response from the carrier thanking you for reporting the SPAM.
• File a complaint for texts and/or voice calls with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or Federal Communications Commission (FCC) via their websites, ftc.gov and fcc.gov, or by calling the FTC at (888) 382-1222 or the FCC at (888) CALL-FCC.
By providing this information, you help stop these robocalls. The FTC and FCC have brought more than a hundred lawsuits against over 600 companies and individuals responsible for billions of illegal robocalls and other “Do Not Call” violations.
No More Robocalls
You may also add your wireless devices and landline numbers to the national “Do Not Call” registry, which would prohibit telemarketers from calling these registered numbers. It’s at DoNotCall.gov.
Wireless companies have developed a number of tools and features that help consumers block robocalls. Apps for the Android, BlackBerry, iOS and Windows operating systems are available that block unwanted calls and offer step-by-step instructions on how to block individual numbers.
There are other steps you can take, such as putting a “special information tone” that signals a nonworking number at the beginning of your voice mail or answering machine message.
Other Cell Phone or Technology Related Post of Interest
- Three Ways To Avoid Being Visually Hacked
- How to Unplug from your device
- Safety on the Road
- Put your cell phone away and your hands on the wheel
- #X
- Eyes on the Road
- iPhone Rules for Teenager
- Three Ways To Avoid Being Visually Hacked
- Deter Smartphone Thefts & Protect Your Data
- Do Not Call Registry
- Wrong Number
- iPhone Remove From Recents
- Death by Selfie
- Verizon iPhone to StraightTalk (BYOP)
- Dial These Numbers In Case of Emergency
- intelliGLASS Screen Protector Review
Learn More
You can view step-by-step video instructions as well as lists of apps to further protect yourself from unwanted robocalls from CTIA-The Wireless Association at http://ctia.it/1LK6gmf.
I do know my iPhone has a feature to block callers and text messages. You can check to see if your smart phone has this feature built in.
Did you also know that January 28th is Data Privacy Day is a day dedicated to raising awareness about privacy and data protection.
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My sister was just talking about how she gets a lot of unsolicited robocalls on her cell phone. I like how you pointed out that you could text SPAM to 7726 so your phone carrier can then report it. I’m curious to know if there are any good apps to help block these types of calls. I’ll have to let my sister know about some of the possible options to slow the tide of these types of calls.
Hey,
I am also frustrated from these types of calls or texts, and after that I knew about FTC and FCC. These are very helpful to get relief from robocalls or texts.
They are frustrating yes! Thank you for your comment.