FAQs
A robocall warning is an indication from your phone that you might be receiving a scam call. You will see these robocaller warnings where the contact name or phone number would usually be displayed when receiving a call.
What is a robocaller number? ›
A robocall is a call that delivers pre-recorded messages through auto-dialing software to millions of people each day. If you answer your phone and hear a recorded message instead of a real person speaking, you are listening to a robocall.
What is a robocall text message? ›
Robotexts – text messages generated through autodialing – are also considered a type of call and fall under all robocall rules. As text messages generally go to mobile phones, robotexts require the called party's prior express consent.
Should I answer robocalls? ›
You should avoid answering or interacting with any unsolicited phone calls you are receiving. It is most likely a scam call trying to trick you into giving up your personal information. By avoiding answering spam calls, you can reduce the number of spam calls that you receive.
Can a robocall hack your phone? ›
A robocall can't hack your phone. However, scammers and other threat actors can use them to trick you into downloading malware on your device. For example, a robocall may trick you into visiting a malicious website designed to deliver Trojans or spyware.
Can you trace a robocall? ›
Using a secure traceback portal, suspected illegal robocalls are traced systematically back through various networks until the ITG identifies the originator of the suspicious calls, where the calls entered the United States if internationally originated, and often the identity of the calling party.
How do I get a robocall to stop calling me? ›
You can register your numbers on the national Do Not Call list at no cost by calling 1-888-382-1222 (voice) or 1-866-290-4236 (TTY). You must call from the phone number you wish to register. You can also register at donotcall.gov.
Is it better to ignore or decline spam calls? ›
It's better to ignore spam calls. When you decline a call, it can alert the spammer that your phone number is active, prompting them to call you again. If you use a call-blocking tool that uses caller ID, you should never answer calls labelled as spam.
How would you know if someone is spoofing you? ›
If you get calls from people saying your number is showing up on their caller ID, it's likely that your number has been spoofed. We suggest first that you do not answer any calls from unknown numbers, but if you do, explain that your telephone number is being spoofed and that you did not actually make any calls.
What are some scammer phone numbers? ›
THE DIRTY DOZEN: These are the 12 numbers to get comfortable with and then block.
- 865-630-4266.
- 469-709-7630.
- 805-637-7243.
- 858-605-9622.
- 863-532-7969.
- 904-495-2559.
- 312-339-1227.
- 917-540-7996.
If you respond by pressing any number, it will probably just lead to more robocalls. You might consider contacting your phone provider and asking them to block the number and whether they charge for that service. Remember that telemarketers change caller ID information easily and often.
How do you respond to a robocall? ›
Consumer Tips
Don't answer calls from unknown numbers. Let them go to voicemail. If the caller claims to be from a legitimate company or organization, hang up and call them back using a valid number found on their website or on your latest bill if you do business with them.
What happens if I call back a scammer number? ›
You'll be targeted by even more scam calls
As a result, scammers may target you with more calls in an effort to defraud you.
Does blocking robocalls help? ›
Call blocking can help stop robocalls from scammers.
Does *61 block unwanted calls? ›
If you have a digital home phone with AT&T, *61 blocks unwanted calls as part of their free Call Blocking service. Press *61 then the “call” button to add the last call you received to your blocked call list. To stop receiving calls from all private numbers (calls without caller ID), dial *77.
Should I block robocall numbers? ›
A good way to deal with unwanted calls is to block them. Blocking software or devices can stop a lot of the unwanted calls you get — like scam calls and illegal robocalls — before they reach you. Cell phones, home phones that make calls over the internet, and landlines each have their own call-blocking options.