How to stop unwanted robocalls

Consumer Reports News: July 10, 2012 05:08 PM

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If you answer the phone and hear a prerecorded sales message from a telemarketer, that is probably an illegal robocall. Today the Federal Trade Commission issued tips for dealing with those annoying robocalls.

What to do:

Hang up. Don't press 1 to get an operator, and don't press any other number to get off the robocaller's list. According to the FTC, pressing a number will probably just lead to more robocalls.
Consider calling your phone provider and asking it to block the number, but make sure to ask whether it charges for that service. Telemarketers change caller ID information easily and often, so it may not be worth paying the fee, says the FTC.
Report the call to the FTC at ftc.gov/robocalls or 877-382-4357.

You can also put your number on the national Do Not Call Registry. There are some 200 million telephone numbers registered already. To sign up call 888-382-1222 from the number you want removed or visit National Do Not Call Registry.

Earlier today we asked our Facebook readers whether they would be less likely to support a politician or give a company their business if they received a robocall from them. The votes overwhelmingly showed that people would be annoyed enough to withhold their support if they got such a call. At last count, 135 out of 155 said they would be less likely to support a politician or company that sent them a robocall. To see the full results, visit our Facebook page.

Check out our cordless phone Ratings to see which models have caller ID, as well as our cordless phone buying guide for other features you may find helpful.

Source:
What To Do If You Get a Robocall [FTC]

—Maggie Shader