In Case You Missed Us: Avoiding Robocalls on Tech Talk with KTRS

Have you noticed an influx of robocalls in the past few years? A recent study by Consumer Reports stated that on average there are 1,500 robocalls generated every second in the United States! As shocking as that it, the number of calls has increased more than 50% since 2017. Robocalls are annoying and becoming increasingly harder to detect. Our IT expert, Jeff Groby, joined Guy Phillips last week for Tech Talk on KTRS to tackle the topic and share some tips for end users to avoid the infuriating calls.

How Do Robocalls Work?

A robocall is a phone call that uses a computerized autodialer to send out a prerecorded message to the masses. These calls have been beneficial in the past for public service or emergency announcements. However, in recent years things have taken more of a malicious turn, and these calls are now being used to execute scams and other illegal activities.

Phone scams have increased in recent years because newer technologies like VoIP have made it easier for robocallers to make calls from anywhere in the world while still masking their identity. VoIP or Voice over Internet Protocol is a technology that delivers voice communication and other multimedia sessions over the internet. Since these calls are being placed through the internet, scammers aren't turned off by the threat of long distance fees or selecting a limited number of potential targets.  

Robocalls have even grown to become more high tech because the person placing the call can manipulate your location and generate the call to look like it is being placed from an area near you. This is why Jeff mentioned that it's still important to screen calls even if the number has a familiar area code or location.

How to Block Robocallers

Jeff gave end users a few tips on steps they can take to avoid receiving the spam and telemarketing calls moving forward:

• Register your number with the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) do not call list.
• Report unwanted calls to the FTC.
• Always screen your calls if you don't recognize the number.
• If you've repeatedly received unwanted calls from a spam number, use the blocking feature on your phone.
• Type your mobile carrier into the App Store and see if they promote any apps that will help to block robocallers on your device.

Tech Talk Presented by SumnerOne

Each week one of the SumnerOne IT Experts joins the conversation on The Big 550 KTRS for your Friday afternoon commute to talk about the latest news in technology and cyber security. Tune in this Friday at 4:20 to catch our next segment of Tech Talk on The Guy Phillips Show! Interested in learning more about SumnerOne? Give us a call.