By Jodi Ochstein, Village Volunteer
It’s another election year, and that means another onslaught of spam and robocalls! But, even without the election buzz, spam and robocalls have become more prevalent over the years. The good news for us is that there is a way to minimize this predatory nuisance.
Below are recommendations to help you stay one step ahead of spam calls:
Don't answer calls from unknown numbers. if you answer such a call, hang up immediately.
You may not be able to tell right away if an incoming call is spoofed. Be aware: caller ID showing a "local" number does not necessarily mean it is a local caller.
Do not respond to any questions, especially those that can be answered with "yes."
If you answer the phone and the caller - or a recording - asks you to hit a button to stop getting the calls, you should just hang up. Scammers often use this trick to identify potential targets.
Never give out personal information such as account numbers, social security numbers, mother's maiden names, passwords or other identifying information in response to unexpected calls or if you are at all suspicious.
If you get an inquiry from someone who says they represent a company or a government agency, hang up and call the phone number on your account statement, in the phone book, or on the company's or government agency's website to verify the authenticity of the request. You will usually get an email or a written statement in the mail before you get a phone call from a legitimate source, particularly if the caller is asking for a payment.
Use caution if you are being pressured for information immediately.
Voicemail is your friend. There is no shame in letting a call you are unsure of go to voicemail. Take a moment and listen carefully to the message. proceed with knowledge and caution.
To block telemarketing calls, register your number on the do not call list. Legitimate telemarketers consult the list to avoid calling both landline and wireless phone numbers on the list.