Robocalling is an obnoxious tool in the telemarketer’s toolbox. It’s annoying, inconvenient, and it wastes your time. You might get the option to remove your phone number from their list, but what you’re actually doing is confirming that you’re a live phone number. And, many robocall companies ignore the “Do Not Call” list, preferring to take the risk of getting caught as they seek out valid phone numbers and potential customers. Surprisingly, there are people who decide to purchase the product that is being offered by the robocall even though it might be a scam.
For those who don’t want the calls, don’t hang up. Instead, get as much information as possible and report them to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
Reporting Helps the FTC Find the Offenders
Image via Flickr by rik-shaw (state of earth)
The FTC is always on the hunt to shut down companies that aren’t following the laws regarding robocalls. To that end, the Do Not Call registry was created. People put their phone numbers onto the list, and companies that operated within the law made it a point to obey that list. Companies that ignore the list are considered to be operating illegally. But, because the nature of scammers and technology, they can set up shop anywhere in the world and stay out of reach of the law. Or, so they think. The FTC is creating methods to track and find scammers to shut them down for good. Reporting robocalls helps the FTC do just that.
Prevent People from Getting Scammed
Legitimate operators are looking for customers while robocallers are out to find victims to scam. The FTC takes phone numbers that are reported to them and use them to create a database to help ferret out the scammers. Helping take out scammers means that fewer people wind up being victimized by scammers. And, for those who feel the FTC isn’t doing enough to stop the thieves, there is always the option to enter the phone number into an online database and make a comment about the caller. It helps inform those who search for the number that they were the target of a scammer.
Encourage Legislators to Take Action
The more information the FTC has about robocalls and illegal operations, the more likely legislation is to get passed that aids the FTC in its battle. As it currently stands, the major telecom companies don’t have much of an incentive to stop robocallers even though they could. Congress has the ability to pass legislation to force the telecommunication companies to create methods to stop scammers from making phone calls. Going this route is tricky, but it could bring relief to millions of people and prevent innocent people from becoming victims.
These are some of the reasons to always report a robocall. Take down numbers, submit them to the FTC, and do your part to end the robocalls. It may seem like a drop in the bucket, but if there are enough drops, the bucket eventually fills and something gets done.
