Stopping Robocalls

Consumers are getting more robocalls than ever. Technology is the reason: Companies are using autodialers that can send out thousands of phone calls every minute for an incredibly low cost.

Under the Telemarketing Sales Rule, calls that deliver a recorded message trying to sell you something are illegal, unless you’ve given written permission for the caller to call you. Robocalls are illegal even if your phone number is not registered on the National Do Not Call Registry.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is working to stop the growing annoyance of robocalls and has launched a consumer campaign at www.ftc.gov/robocalls.

The FTC staff will answer questions from the public about robocalls on Twitter and Facebook July 17, 2012 at 10 am PST. Follow the @FTC and/or tweet questions to #FTCrobo. For more information on FTC social chats, visit http://ftc.gov/opa/socialmedia/facebook.shtm

What to Do When You Get a Robocall

1. Hang Up. Do not press 1 or any other numbers to get off the list.
2. Consider blocking the number.
3. Report it at http://www.donotcall.gov/.