Advice on Spam!

Hello, Glenn.

Unfortunately, this is far too common. Interacting with the caller, in any way, even blocking the number will often only lead to further calls, as it identifies your number as being 'live'.

If you have the least concern that it may really be a call from S.S., contact your local office directly. Although most likely it is a scam.

My best advice for you, would be to call your phone carrier, and ask them to put a spam/scam block on your phone. I did this with my mobile carrier, and instantly, the spam calls were stopped.

Don't answer any number that isn't in your 'contacts' list. If the call is legit, let them leave a VM.

I wish you the best.

I don't know if you can do it or not depending on if you want messages, but my Wife didn't set up her voice mailbox & that helps deter a lot of the calls.

As WXC stated, If the number is unknown to you, don't answer it.

Blocking a number is pretty much useless as they can spoof any number they want as well as the location.

If you notice a lot them coming form a distinct area code, you should be able to block any calls coming from that area code, you would have to look the directions up on the net, but I was able to do it on my home phone.

Go to the Do Not Call registry & list your number. If this actually works is problematical, but it is a step you can take that might help.

National Do Not Call Registry

And NEVER give out any personal info such as SS or Banking info. If you get a call from someone claiming to be them, hang up & contact the institution with a number you know to be valid & ask if they just called concerning a matter.

Same goes for text messages.

I like Spam.

Problem is that it has too much fat and sodium.

FWIW.

I always picked up and let them talk, while I was making a coffee. For some reason, they stopped calling. Since they are paid per hour, they did not have time to waste their precious time on me and they blocked my number.

glennc said:

Thank you for your time and advice. I've never been repeatedly targeted like this. Probably because I interacted with the first attempts. I will see if I can get my carrier to do as you mentioned. I was unaware of this feature. Fingers crossed. I like the not in contacts approach!!
My carrier which is using a major carrier service says they can not block any spam or such.................

Hello again, Glenn.

Yes, without doubt, your first interaction with these spammers/scammers is what has fueled the flood that you're now receiving. I'm sorry for that, but don't beat yourself up about it. It's happened to millions of people. Once these bastards know they have a 'live' number, it will typically only get worse. Not only from the initial caller, but to whomever they sell your number to.

The top three mobile providers, all provide a way to combat it. AT&T has 'Call Protect', T-Mobile has 'Scam Shield' and Verizon has 'Call Filter'.

However, as you made me aware, their many sub-carriers apparently may not/do not, provide the service. Which is unfortunate for you. I happed to have service provided by one of the top three, directly. So, they were pleased to provide me with the feature free of any additional charge. The really frustrating and idiotic thing about it, is that a customer has to 'Opt-In', to get the benefits of it.

About the National Do Not Call Registry, not that I'm trying to dissuade you from registering with it, but honestly, it will not do squat to slow the scammers (once they have your number). It only applies to honest business owners, that choose to honor it. Spammers/Scammers, will pay it not attention whatsoever. And, to add insult to injury, not even the registry will stop legitimate robocalls.

Since your carrier advised that they could not implement a 'blocker' for you (being a sub-carrier). My only advice now, is to completely disregard any call that is not on your contacts list. When your phone rings, if you don't recognize the number, let it roll to voicemail. Then make your determination whether to return the call or not. Scammers are unlikely to leave a voicemail. Hopefully with a bit of time, it will subside.

As a final thought, the SSA, IRS or any other government agency of the like, will first send you a letter via mail, prior to any call. If ever in doubt, locate the number for the agency or business, and call them directly.

Again, I wish you the very best.

WXC said:

About the National Do Not Call Registry, not that I'm trying to dissuade you from registering with it, but honestly, it will not do squat to slow the scammers (once they have your number). It only applies to honest business owners, that choose to honor it. Spammers/Scammers, will pay it not attention whatsoever. And, to add insult to injury, not even the registry will stop legitimate robocalls.

Yeah, I hate to admit it but he's right, it might do some good, but overall once we registered we didn't see much of a reduction.

But doesn't hurt to register & even a little bit of relief is nice.

Borg 386 said:

Yeah, I hate to admit it but he's right, it might do some good, but overall once we registered we didn't see much of a reduction.


But doesn't hurt to register & even a little bit of relief is nice.

Completely agree.