Robocalls and scam calls are on the rise. They are certainly an annoyance but can also compromise your personal and financial safety. Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind.
DO
- Register your phone number(s) with the Do Not Call Registry online at www.DoNotCall.gov or by phone at 1-888-382-1222.
- Research services offered by your phone provider to block unwanted calls.
- Install a trusted and reliable app on your cellphone to block or warn of suspicious calls.
- Add trusted phone numbers to your contacts.
- Limit the people and businesses with whom you share your phone number.
DON’T
- Answer an incoming phone call when you don’t recognize the number.
- Provide personal or financial information over phone.
- Interact with the caller in any way. Don’t press numbers or speak to anyone.
- Call back unfamiliar phone numbers.
- Always rely on Caller ID.
ROBOCALLS
If you receive unwanted robocalls, report them to the Ohio Attorney General’s Robocall Enforcement Unit by texting “ROBO” to 888111, calling 1-800-282-0515 or visiting www.OhioProtects.org.