You’re cell phone rings. You don’t recognize the number but answer it anyway just in case it’s important. There’s a funny click on the line and you can hear distortion in the background.
Oh no, it’s another virtual salesman coming at you trying to sell you something you don’t need, don’t want, and don’t care about. You can yell, threaten, and curse all day at that voice on the other end, but don’t waste your time, it’s just another robocall. If you want to block the number, go ahead, and block the number. It might make you feel good but this anonymous caller has another thousand numbers to call you from.
Robocalling and scam calls have descended upon the cell phone user like an ancient plague, and it doesn’t look like the pestilence is about to end any time soon.
Monday mornings are when I get the bulk of them. I set my phone up with a feature that recognizes if there’s a legitimate call or another Robo-crawler coming after you. If it’s a bogus call I’ll see the words Scam Likely, appear under the number that’s coming through.
I keep the ringer off with the phone next to me so I can check for legitimate calls. I have no interest in speaking to Scam Likely. I never liked him from the beginning.
Some automated calls are permissible. Charities and schools are permitted to alert parents about campus closures and other issues that may impinge on your child’s education and safety. There are some other entities that can use robocalling, like people running for office.
The waiver that certain individuals, parties, and institutions get to use opens a loophole and lets all those Robo-rats come creeping in.
It is creepy. I was born in 1952. The world was different then. You did have more privacy. Now we have very little privacy. Go online just to surf the Internet or shop for things and it’s all over. Those bots will be crawling through your eyeballs to paint a consumer profile around you so they can sell your name to other people who want to sell you something else that you don’t want or need.
Unless you are willing to live way off the grid with no electric lines, no cell phones, and no stores, then there is no way of getting away from it.
If you have no problem driving a hundred miles for healthcare, making your own clothes, and supplying your own food, then maybe they’ll leave you alone, but there’s no guarantee. Somebody can always hear you talking. There’s a hydra of predators out there with giant eyes, willing to cut your heart out for clear consumer data.
Unwanted calls are the number one complaint that goes out to watchdogs like the FCC and FTC. They’ll get back to you eventually, maybe. Right now they’re busy. Send them a letter or an email if you can’t reach them by phone. If you live long enough they’ll get back to you, because that’s their promise.
While you’re waiting, here are some tips on defending yourself against these faceless predators who come at us at all hours of the day and night:
How to Help Protect Yourself
If you receive an unwanted phone call of any kind, including an unwanted robocall, don’t try to outsmart the bad guy by intentionally giving out wrong information. Just hang up. Do not call the number back, call another number they give you, or press any numbers (or links in texts) that you may be instructed to press.
Check if your carrier offers a call filter. ...
Use a call-blocker app. ...
Check the built-in features of your phone. ...
Add your number to the National Do Not Call Registry. ...
Never let the robots know you're a real human. ...
Don't give out your number unnecessarily…
Keep whatever sanity and happiness you have left. Don’t go running off on a crusade to fight the evildoers in the robocalling world, you won’t win. Take these tips and use them. Keep your ringer off as much as practical. I have found this to be the best practice. If you’re new to this and the Robo-caller has you going, don’t say anything, especially yes. Your voice using the word YES can be a very powerful thing to these shadow creatures. DON’T SAY ANYTHING - HANG UP!!!
Robin Basichis
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