Jul 9, 2015
I find some of the remarks posted about these ‘faux telemarketer calls’ amusing. I put together a software program that has logged over 500 of these nuisance calls since 2010. Those of you that let the calls roll to your answering machine, voicemail or worse yet answered the call you have just ensured you will receive more of these calls. Maybe not from the same number, but they’ve just identified your number as valid which almost assures more calls. Most of the initial calls originate from software (aka; ‘robocalls’) – once your number is identified as active, then a real person may be there on the follow up calls. If you have the capability to ‘block’ the number that called – that is the best action. If you don’t have a blocking option, keep a phone with caller ID close by and simply hit ‘talk’ and ‘off’ simultaneously. This will reduce the number of nuisance calls, but not stop them. If you really want to block them – there is software available that a layman can install. Of the 500 calls I’ve blocked, I've only added 16 over the last 6 months. So the message is simple – blocking works…. One additional note, using the aforementioned processes I seldom have a second call from a given number. But, when I do - I love it when "Number Blocked" shows on my 'Caller ID!!!
Additionally; The Area Code, Exchange or even the entire number displayed on your caller ID may not accurately reflect the origin of a call as many of these crooks use software that disguises the originating number.
PS: I think Call Notes should add a 'Call Type' for 'Spoof' or 'Scammer Calls'!