Eleanor Finch
Robocalls are automated phone calls that play a pre-recorded message. They are often used for telemarketing or political purposes, and sometimes by scammers. While not all robocalls are illegal, they can be considered harassment under certain circumstances. For example, if you are receiving multiple robocalls from the same debt collector throughout the day, this could be considered harassing behaviour. The number of robocalls that constitute harassment is not explicitly defined, but if you feel that you are being harassed, you can take legal action or file a complaint with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of robocalls constituting harassment | Multiple robocalls throughout the day |
| Time of robocalls | Outside of 8 am to 9 pm |
| Content of robocalls | Selling products or services, debt collection, informational, debt relief, credit repair, extended car warranties |
| Legality of robocalls | Illegal if selling without prior consent; legal if informational or collecting a debt |
| Protection against robocalls | National Do Not Call Registry, call-blocking and call-labeling services, robocall-blocking technology |
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What You'll Learn
Robocalls are often scams
Robocalls are automated calls that deliver a prerecorded message. While many robocalls are legal, they are often associated with scams. Scammers find it cheap and easy to make robocalls over the internet from anywhere in the world. They can also fake the name and number that show up on your caller ID, making it look like the call is from a government agency or a local number.
Robocalls that try to sell you something are almost always illegal. If you get a robocall trying to sell you something, odds are it's a scam. Scammers will often pretend to be from government agencies, such as the Social Security Administration, the IRS, or Medicare, and will insist that you hand over personal information, wire money, or send cryptocurrency. They may threaten that if you don't comply, something bad will happen or you'll miss out on a government benefit. Scammers may also pretend to be from companies such as Amazon or Apple, or your utility provider, and will try to get you to divulge personal information.
Robocalls that try to sell you services to lower your debt are also illegal and are almost always scams. If you get a robocall and haven't given the caller written permission to call you with robocalls, the call is illegal. You can report the number that called you, the number on your caller ID, and any number you were told to call back, along with the date and time of the call, to the FTC. The FTC analyzes report data to identify illegal callers and works with law enforcement to track down and stop robocallers.
To avoid robocalls, you can register your number on the National Do Not Call Registry. This won't stop scammers from making illegal calls, but it could reduce the number of calls you get and make it easier to spot scam calls. You can also use call-blocking and call-labeling services, which are offered by phone carriers and as apps for cell phones.
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Robocalls trying to sell you something are illegal
While there is no specific mention of the number of robocalls that constitute harassment, receiving robocalls trying to sell you something is almost always illegal. These robocalls are also likely scams. Scammers use the internet to make cheap and easy calls from anywhere in the world. They often pretend to be from government agencies, threatening consequences if you don't pay up or provide personal information. They may also offer extended car warranties, debt relief, or credit repair. Caller ID spoofing is a common tactic, where scammers falsify the information on your caller ID display to trick you into answering. This may include displaying a phone number similar to your own.
To reduce robocalls, you can register your number on the National Do Not Call Registry. Legitimate telemarketers will avoid calling numbers on this list. However, this won't stop scammers, as they often operate outside the law. Call-blocking and call-labeling services can also help, and your phone carrier may offer specific tools or apps for this purpose. Additionally, you can file a complaint with the FCC if you believe you have received an illegal robocall or been a victim of spoofing.
It's important to note that not all robocalls are illegal. Purely informational messages or calls to collect a debt are generally permitted. However, robocalls offering services to lower your debt are illegal. Robocalls made with artificial intelligence or AI-generated voices are also considered "artificial" voice calls and are illegal without prior consent or a recognized exemption.
To summarize, receiving robocalls trying to sell you something is likely illegal and a scam. To protect yourself, register your number on the Do Not Call List, use call-blocking tools, and be cautious when answering calls from unknown numbers.
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Robocalls are made with autodialers or pre-recorded messages
Robocalls are automated calls that deliver pre-recorded messages through auto-dialling software to a large number of people. They are often associated with political and telemarketing campaigns but can also be used for public service announcements, emergency alerts, or scams. Robocalls are often used by telemarketers to sell a product or service, but they can also be used by debt collectors.
Robocalls are made using autodialers, which are computerised systems that automatically dial phone numbers and deliver a pre-recorded message. These autodialers can dial a large volume of numbers in a short period, making it an efficient and cost-effective method for telemarketers and scammers. While robocalls can be legitimate, they are often associated with scams and illegal activities.
To make a robocall, telemarketers or scammers use auto-dialling software, which can be easily purchased or accessed online. This software allows them to upload a pre-recorded message and a list of phone numbers to be dialled. The autodialer then automatically dials the numbers and plays the message when the call is answered. In some cases, robocalls may also use text-to-speech technology to personalise the message with the recipient's name or other details.
Robocalls made with autodialers often have several distinctive features. For example, if you receive more than four calls or voicemails a day from the same caller, it is likely that they are using an autodialer. Additionally, if you answer the call and hear a recording or computerised voice instead of a live person, it is likely a robocall. These calls often prompt you to take action, such as pressing a button to speak to a representative or unsubscribe from future calls.
To summarise, robocalls made with autodialers or pre-recorded messages are a common occurrence, often used by telemarketers and scammers. They are created using auto-dialling software, which dials numbers and delivers pre-recorded messages to recipients. While some robocalls are legitimate, many are associated with scams and illegal activities, and it is important to be cautious when receiving such calls.
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File a complaint with the FCC if you receive illegal robocalls
Robocalls are a common problem, and many are illegal or scams. If you receive an illegal robocall, you can file a complaint with the FCC. Unwanted calls, including illegal and spoofed robocalls, are the FCC's top consumer complaint, and they are committed to protecting consumers from these calls.
Robocalls are calls made with an autodialer or that contain a pre-recorded or artificial voice message. Scammers often use robocalls to target consumers, pretending to be from government agencies and asking for personal information or money. Robocalls trying to sell you something are almost always illegal, and you should hang up immediately.
If you believe you have received an illegal robocall, you can file a complaint with the FCC. The first step is to determine if the call is illegal. As mentioned, robocalls trying to sell you something are illegal unless the company has your prior written permission to contact you in this way. Calls made with artificial intelligence or AI-generated voices are also illegal unless the caller has your prior express written consent. Telephone solicitation calls to your home outside the hours of 8 am to 9 pm are prohibited.
If you have received an illegal robocall, you can file an informal complaint with the FCC. This can be done online at fcc.gov/complaints, which is the quickest and most effective way. You can also file by phone or mail, and there is no charge for filing. When filing a complaint, be sure to include as much detail as possible about the call, including the number that called you, the time and date of the call, and any details about what was said during the call.
In addition to filing a complaint with the FCC, you can also report illegal robocalls to the FTC, which brings enforcement actions against robocallers. You can also use call-blocking and call-labeling services to help reduce the number of robocalls you receive. Registering your number on the National Do Not Call Registry can also help to stop unwanted sales calls from legitimate companies.
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Call-blocking and labelling services can help reduce robocalls
While there is no clear indication of how many robocalls in a row constitute harassment, robocalls can be a nuisance and, in many cases, a threat. They are also the top consumer complaint received by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
Call-blocking and labelling services can help reduce the number of robocalls you receive. These services are offered by phone carriers and third-party apps. For example, Verizon offers the Call Filter app, which allows users to report a number as spam. AT&T offers the ActiveArmor mobile security app, which helps stop spam and scams. T-Mobile has the ScamShield app, which blocks scam calls and robocalls. Third-party apps such as Hiya, RoboKiller, TrueCaller, and Call Control also offer similar services.
Call-blocking and labelling services work by using databases of known scammers and telemarketers to warn users of potential spam calls. These services can also detect spoofed calls, where scammers fake the name and number that show up, making it look like the call is from a government agency or a local number. By reporting the number that appears on your caller ID, you can help track down the scammers and develop better call-blocking solutions.
In addition to using call-blocking and labelling services, you can also register your phone number with the National Do Not Call Registry. This registry is a list that tells registered telemarketers what numbers not to call. However, it is important to note that being on this registry will not stop scammers from making illegal calls.
To further reduce robocalls, the FCC has taken several actions, including issuing hundreds of millions of dollars in enforcement actions against illegal robocallers and empowering phone companies to block illegal or unwanted calls before they reach consumers.
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Frequently asked questions
A robocall is a call made with an autodialer or that contains a prerecorded or artificial voice message.
There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on various factors, including the frequency and content of the calls, as well as the relevant state and federal laws. However, receiving multiple robocalls throughout the day from the same caller or multiple callers can be considered harassing behaviour and may violate the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) and the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA).
You can register your number on the National Do Not Call Registry, which tells registered telemarketers which numbers not to call. You can also file a complaint with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) or use call-blocking and call-labeling services to reduce the number of robocalls you receive.
