Protect yourself
From Illegal
Robocalls

5 Helpful Tips:

  1. Government agencies will always contact you in writing

  2. Do your research! Don't open accounts or make donations without vetting banks and charities

  3. Never answer questions or give personal information during a robocall

  4. Verify when the caller claims to represent a company or government agency. Find the number found on their website and call them directly

  5. Beware even a legitimate looking number could be scam call

Spoofing and How to Protect Yourself

Spoofing is when a caller disguises their identity by deliberately misrepresenting the name or number that appears on your caller ID display. Most often these callers try to trick you into providing valuable personal information such as your Social Security, credit card number or bank account.

Simple Do's & Don'ts You Can Follow

  • DO take advantage of call blocking and labeling services provided by your service provider

  • DO register with the FTC's Do-Not-Call list and file complaints

  • DO reach out to your state's public service commission or consumer protection office to see if your state has a do not call list and how to register your number or numbers

  • DO contact your bank or utility using the phone number on their website if you recieve a robocall asking for confidential information

  • DO check out the FCC's website that provides robocall blocking resources

  • DO educate yourself about common scams

  • DON'T answer calls from an unfamiliar number or are labeled as spam

  • DON'T call back a number provided in a voicemail unless it is the same number found on their website

  • DON'T push any buttons especially if the caller instructs you to do so

  • DON'T engage with the robocaller making the call

  • DON'T ever share personal and financial information

  • DON'T ever pay for anything over the phone with things like gift cards

Actions to Take Against Robocalls:

Examples of Common Scams to Be Aware Of:

  1. Charity: Asking for illegitimate donations to charity

  2. Health: Selling fradulent or inferior health insurance or health care devices

  3. IRS: Asking for payment of money owed in taxes

  1. Warrant for Arrest: Threatening arrest or fines for missing jury duty or for other claimed infractions

  2. Suspicious Activity: Claiming suspicious activity on your social security number or financial accounts

Protect Yourself

  • Remember legitimate government agencies will always contact you in writing
  • Research legitimate banks and charities before opening accounts or making donations
  • Don't provide personal information in response to a robocall
  • Verify when the caller claims to represent a company or government agency. Call the company or agency back using the number found on their website
  • Beware even a number that looks legitimate could be spoofed
  • Don't answer calls from unknown numbers
  • Hang up if you accidentally answer the phone
  • Don't push any buttons especially if the caller or robocaller instructs you to do so

Take Action

Rely on call blocking or labeling services offered by your phone provider, some of which may be included by default

Contact the AARP Fraund Watch Network Helpline at 877 908 3360

Register your number with the National Do Not Call Registry

File a complaint with the FCC at 1 888 CALL FCC or 1 888 2255 322 or FTC at 1 877 FTC HELP or 1-877-382-4357