TAMPA — Have you gotten a robocall? Are you on the Do Not Call Registry?
The Better Business Bureau Serving West Florida stresses there are ways you can try to make those unwanted calls stop.
"If the FTC is not aware that these calls are being made, they’re unable to take action on it," Director of Public Relations and Outreach for the BBB Serving West Florida, Bryan Oglesby, said.
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According to the Federal Trade Commission, they have filed plenty of lawsuits against people or businesses making illegal robocalls or violating 'Do Not Call' lists.
"No one likes to receive a phone call in the middle of the day or if you're not expecting it. So as consumers, if we don't want to receive those calls, we have to do our due diligence," Oglesby said.
Oglesby said people have to report the unwanted calls.
"It's very important to report it, if you receive the call. And understand that it's only illegal if it's an automated system calling you and they're trying to sell you something," Oglesby said.
You can contact your cell phone provider or use apps to help block robocalls like nomorobo.com, Mr. Number, and Truecaller. Oglesby said consumers need to use whatever meets their needs.
"You have resources. You have your local phone carrier. Contact them. See what resources they have to help you block {unwanted numbers}. There are third party services out there that offer call blocking technology and the Federal Trade Commission is working hard with local technology companies to develop new and improved technology to combat robocallers as well," Oglesby said.
Oglesby said people need to be aware of caller ID spoofing. Do not pick up.
"They're faking the caller ID to make you believe it's someone that it's really not so don't always believe your caller ID. (You need to know} who is calling you," Oglesby said.
If you are on the 'Do Not Call' List, it never expires. The FTC has warned fake emails have been sent to people, claiming their registration was about to expire.
