What Is a Robocall Scam?

When you answer a call, you expect to hear another person on the end of the line. But all too often, you hear a recording trying to sell you something or tell you about a sweepstakes. Robot sales calls are against the law. Many robocalls represent scammers trying to trick you into giving them sensitive information for identity theft.

While most robocalls are illegal, they’re also hard to stop. Understanding how robocall scams work can help you protect yourself against fraud and harassment. For more information about dealing with illegal calls, talk to a consumer protection attorney.

Understanding Robocall Scams

Robocall scammers use automatic calling machines because they can contact thousands of people quickly and easily. Even if 99% of people hang up or don’t answer the phone call, scammers can make money off the other 1% by tricking them into giving their Social Security number or credit card information.

Robocalls trying to sell you something aren’t legal unless you give a company written permission to make these calls. Unfortunately, that doesn’t stop illegal phone scams. Robocallers can spoof their phone number. It will look like it’s coming from your area code or a real company. They can change their numbers and keep calling even after you report the spam calls.

The best way to stop robocalls is not to answer, use spam blockers on your phone, and hang up when you hear a recorded voice.

Common Types of Robocall Scams

There are many types of robocall scams. Most robocall scammers pose as a legitimate business or government agency. They can offer free money, warn you that your account was hacked, or threaten arrest. Some of the most common robocall scams include:

• Vehicle warranty scam to extend your vehicle coverage
• IRS scams trying to get your sensitive information
• Social Security scams warning you will lose your retirement
• U.S. Marshalls or immigration threatening arrest or deportation
• Debt collection scams involving fake debt
• Utility company or internet service provider saying they will cut off your service
• Health insurance scams offering lower rates
• Tech support scams saying your account was hacked
• Fake sweepstakes or prize scams requiring a deposit or handling fee

Legal Protections Against Robocallers

The Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) is a federal law restricting robocalls and telemarketing. Passed in 1991, the law limits how and when companies or debt collectors can use autodialers and prerecorded voice messages. Your consumer protections under the TCPA include:

• No calling before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m.
• Maintaining and following a do-not-call list and the National Do Not Call Registry
• Providing name and contact information
• Prohibiting artificial voice recordings

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and Federal Trade Commission (FTC) enforce TCPA regulations. You can sue for violations of the TCPA. Penalties include up to $500 per violation. For willful violations, you can recover up to $1,500 in damages for each violation.

Unfortunately, enforcing federal laws against illegal robocalls from other countries is difficult. Scam calls can spoof phone numbers to make them look like they are from a legitimate company. Caller ID spoofing often tricks consumers into sending money or giving out personal information.

Tips To Recognize and Stop Robocalls and Telemarketers

When you get a cell phone call or text message from an unrecognized number, be skeptical about who might be calling. Don’t trust the caller ID information. Scammers can use caller ID spoofing to make it seem like they’re calling from law enforcement, your bank, or the IRS. If you do answer the phone, pay attention to these robocall scam red flags:

• The call uses a robotic voice or recording
• The call involves an emergency or urgent action
• The caller is asking you to wire money or pay with gift cards or Bitcoin
• The caller tells you not to hang up the phone

Banks, credit card companies, and online retailers won’t ask for your login information over the phone. The IRS won’t ask for your Social Security number. If you think the threat is real, you can hang up the phone and contact the company through their official website or listed phone number. Don’t call the number given to you by the robocall because it is probably fake.

If you’re getting an unwanted call from a real company trying to sell you something, tell them to put you on the do-not-call list. Register your phone number with the National Do Not Call Registry at donotcall.gov. Block robocalls on your mobile phone and use call-blocking on your iPhone or Android device.

Steps To Take If You’re a Victim of Robocall Scams

If you’re a robocall scam victim, immediately contact your bank or credit card company. In some cases, they can stop payment or reverse any unauthorized charges. If you send gift cards or cryptocurrency, it may be too late to get the money back.

If you gave the scammers your personal information, they could open loans or accounts in your name. Contact the credit bureaus to put a freeze on your credit. Get a copy of your credit report and look for any unauthorized accounts. You can dispute credit charges you didn’t authorize. You can report fraud to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. You can also report unwanted calls through the Do Not Call Registry. To understand your legal options after a robocall scam, talk to a consumer protection lawyer.