What to do About Scam Robocalls

Scam robocalls have become one of the most common consumer complaints in the United States. While many unwanted calls are merely annoying, others are designed to steal money, obtain personal information, or pressure consumers into making payments they do not owe.

If you are receiving scam robocalls, there are several steps you can take to protect yourself and reduce future calls.

#1 Do Not Engage with the Robocaller

If you answer a suspicious call:

Do not provide personal information.
Do not confirm your Social Security number, date of birth, or banking information.
Do not make payments based solely on a phone call.
Hang up if the caller pressures you to act immediately.

Scammers often create a false sense of urgency to prevent consumers from verifying information independently.

#2 Avoid Calling Unknown Numbers Back

Many scam callers use spoofed phone numbers that appear local or familiar. Returning the call may connect you to an unrelated person or verify that your number is active.

If the caller claims to represent a company, bank, government agency, or creditor, locate the organization's legitimate contact information independently and call that number instead.

#3 Register Your Number(s) on the National Do-Not-Call Registry

Consumers may register their telephone numbers at:

https://www.donotcall.gov

While registration will not stop every scam call, it may reduce lawful telemarketing calls and can help identify potential violations of federal telemarketing laws.

#4 Use Your Phone's Call Blocking Features

Most mobile carriers and smartphones offer tools that help identify or block suspected spam calls.

You may also consider reputable call-filtering applications that screen or block known robocall numbers.

#5 Save Evidence of Unwanted Calls

If you are receiving repeated robocalls or telemarketing calls:

Take screenshots of call logs.
Save voicemails.
Keep records of dates and times.
Note whether the calls use prerecorded or artificial voices.
Keep copies of any related text messages.

These records may be useful if the calls continue or if you decide to pursue a complaint or legal claim.

#6 Report Scam Calls

Consumers may report scam robocalls to:

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
Their state attorney general

Reporting helps regulators identify trends and investigate large-scale calling operations.

#7 Understand Your Legal Rights

Federal law (and some state's laws) limits many forms of automated calls and text messages.

The Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) restricts certain:

Prerecorded voice calls
Artificial voice calls
Automated telephone dialing practices
Telemarketing text messages

Consumers may have legal remedies when companies continue making unlawful calls after requests to stop or when calls violate federal telemarketing requirements.

#8 When to Contact a Consumer Lawyer

You may wish to seek legal advice if:

You receive repeated robocalls from the same company.
Calls continue after you ask for them to stop.
You receive telemarketing calls despite being registered on the National Do Not Call Registry.
The calls use prerecorded or artificial voices.
You receive large volumes of unwanted marketing text messages.

Additional Resources

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If you have questions about repeated robocalls or telemarketing calls, contact Wells Law Chicago for additional information regarding your rights under federal consumer protection laws.