They Had You at “Hello”- 8 ways to Defeat Unwanted Callers.

Have you noticed yourself being cautious these days about answering your phone from an unknown caller? Well your instincts are correct; you definitely should be. For many, just saying “Hello” to an unwanted robocall is the first step in a unpleasant and potentially costly experience.
Hundreds of millions of unwanted robocalls (an automated telephone call that delivers a recorded message, typically on behalf of a political party or telemarketing company) are made every day to Americans’ phones. In fact, the average family is predicted to receive over 1,000 unwanted robocalls in the next 12 months.  These calls are highly annoying, and because up to 80% of these calls are made illegally from tele-criminals, they can also be dangerous.
So you may be thinking – how do I prevent this and keep my phone safe? Check out these 8 steps to help prevent robocalls and tele-criminals from reaching your phone.

1. Never answer a call when you do not recognize the Caller ID.
2. If you do answer a call and determine it is an unwanted RoboCaller or telemarketer, hang up immediately.
3. Never press any buttons on your phone after answering a robocall.
4. Never engage in conversation with an unwanted caller. Say nothing. Just hang up. Don't be embarrassed. They are intruding into your space.
5. Never call back a number from an unknown caller. If it’s important and legitimate, they will leave you a voicemail or contact you via alternate communication.
6. If an unwanted caller gets to your voicemail, do not respond to any message left unless you can verify the legitimate purpose of the call with a trusted third party.
7. Put your number on the Federal Do Not Call list. It is not perfect, but it does stop some sales calls from legitimate companies.
8. Test call blocking services that can slow down or stop unwanted calls altogether.
   
   

The FCC (Federal Communications Commission) will receive approximately 5 million complaints this year alone regarding unwanted calls. Complaints are up more than 40% from last year and these unwanted calls continue to increase regardless of federal and state do not call laws or blacklists.
Ultimately, it is up to YOU to protect your own privacy, security and peace of mind. Fortunately, TeleZapper2020 is here to help.