A trip of a life-time. A family member in trouble. The “IRS” demanding payment. Scams on every level play on victims’ emotions to entrap them into sharing personal date and hard-earned money.
I recently received a phone call that rang for ten minutes straight. Caller ID showed “Name Unavailable” and the phone number of the caller. No doubt, the caller thought harassing me with the ongoing ring would force me to answer.
Instead, I called my carrier on another phone, and they instructed me on how to stop the ringing (press #77 without picking up). I then filed a complaint against the caller. Google notes that number has multiple complaints from consumers who did answer.
We have a few options today to reduce the number of solicitors and scammers. None are sure-proof, but the more caution we take, the last chance we have of being scammed. The number one rule of prevention is not to answer a number we don’t recognize. If the call is truly coming from someone needing to reach us, they can leave a message. And above all, do not give information to anyone we aren’t absolutely certain that we know.
Some carriers, such as Xfinity Voice, offer codes to reject block calls. Their Anonymous Call Rejection is set by following these simple steps
- activate your caller ID
- Enter *77
- Listen for 3 beeps
- Hang up.
In some areas, this code may connect you to law enforcement. (It did not when I used it in the Chicago area.)
It’s also advised to list your phone numbers with the National Do Not Call Registry This registry is managed by The Federal Trade Commission and should prevent calls from telemarketers. Telemarketers are prohibited, but not actively prevented, from calling. Nor does this action eliminate calls from political organizations, charities, telephone surveyors, or companies that a consumer has an existing business relationship with. Setup is simple with a few clicks on their website.
No More Robo is another option to prevent computerized telemarketing and political auto-dialing. It is free for landline phone lines but users need to know that this also eliminates automated calls from public-service and emergency announcements. Users should supply an option for text messaging to their cell phones to receive these messages.
Scammers will always find ways around roadblocks, but these options help in the meantime.
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Midwest Mary 
Yep, caller ID lets me know who is calling. 1 call in 20 will leave a message. Most don’t because they are scams. My kids are so happy I have a “You don’t have to answer it if it’s ringing- unless someone you want to talk to starts to leave a message.” rule. I think I must’ve worn them out. Barely do we get calls anymore, but when we do, it’s usually someone not willing to leave a message! Although someone recently left a message saying our computer had a virus and quick call immediately or our computer was going to die. Still waiting.
Thank you for commenting. I like your family rule!