Security Expert and President of CMIT Solutions of Capitol Hill, Anne Morrison, discusses the details of Robocalls and how to stop them. In 2017 approximately 5% of calls were attributed as robocalls. In 2018 it went up to 30% and in 2019 robocalls are expected to be close to 50% of all calls.
What is the difference between spam and robocalls? What are the different types of robocalls? What organizations are exempt from the rules and regulations? What are 5 Tips to stop robocalls? Watch the video to find out!
Once your number has been listed on the Registry for a month, you can start reporting unwanted calls to the Federal Trade Commission. This is only the first step toward multi-layered defense, though — not a surefire way to stop all calls.The most straightforward way to avoid robocalls is not answering in the first place — especially when it comes to calls received on your cell phone. The next step is to use your phone to block those numbers that arrive persistently or don’t leave pertinent messages. This advice aligns nicely with the number-one rule for preventing email-based ransomware, which is not to click links or open attachments from unfamiliar email addresses.If the robocalls won’t stop, you can use a service like the iPhone’s “Do Not Disturb” option, which won’t show notifications for incoming calls unless you specifically allow them from that number. “Do Not Disturb” can serve as a filter to allow only the people you know or only those people stored in your contacts to call you.If you do find yourself on the phone with a potential spammer, don’t respond to invitations to press a number to opt out — that will let the hackers know your number is working and you may still be transferred to a live person. The best bet in most instances is to hang up once you know the call is unwanted. Be careful what you say, too; even automated robocalls can ask a variety of natural-sounding questions like “Can you hear me?” and if you answer “Yes,” that voice signature can be used at a later date to authorize fraudulent charges via telephone. Yelling at or berating spammers can also lead to unintended consequences like spoofing your number of calling continuously.Several cell phone carriers automatically screen calls — if you’ve ever seen “Scam Likely” show up on your home screen when an incoming call arrives, you’ll know it’s working. T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, and AT&T all offer apps that block known spam callers and flag certain numbers as suspicious, dramatically cutting the number of marketing calls you receive. In addition, apps like YouMail can integrate with your smartphone’s blocked list, preventing known spammers from reaching you.
At CMIT Solutions, we understand the complexities of today’s digital world — and we know that threats now extend beyond computers and networks to our phone systems, as well. Our goal is to keep your business, your data, and your employees safe. Contact us today to learn more about our leading cybersecurity solutions.Read More and Learn How To Stop Robocalls