Nuisance calls, such as telemarketing and political calls, can be dealt with by reporting them to phone companies, using Caller ID, or registering with the National Do Not Call Registry in the US. Fraud and harassment are potential issues with nuisance calls, and law enforcement should be contacted if necessary.
Nuisance calls are unwanted telephone calls made to a person’s home or work number, mobile phone, or fax line. This may include telemarketing calls, calls seeking political support or donations, hang up calls or a number of other unwanted contacts. There are several ways to deal with nuisance calls, including reporting them to the phone company and getting Caller ID service. Customers in the US can also register with a national database that will add their phone numbers to a “do not call” list. Many people choose to contact law enforcement if the calls go beyond mere nuisance and instead appear to be harassing or threatening.
People can get nuisance calls for a variety of reasons. Telemarketers typically sell their products and services over the phone. In addition to direct sales, telemarketing can also include advertising and market research. People might regard these calls as nuisance calls if they involve a long conversation or list of questions, or if callers reach out to them at an inconvenient time.
A common problem with nuisance calls is the potential for telemarketing fraud. Callers who engage in scam tactics often target specific populations, such as the elderly. These callers also often try to sell them non-existent products or involve them in pyramid schemes. In many cases, callers may ask for money, bank account numbers, and other personal information. Fax people may also receive unwanted faxes, which are often just unwanted advertisements.
Many people contact their local phone companies to report nuisance calls, in hopes that they will investigate and document where the unwanted calls are coming from. Sometimes the telephone company can suggest strategies for call screening. One way to deal with nuisance calls is to get a Caller ID service. However, caller ID can often be blocked or spoofed. Also, callers may be using pay phones or disposable cell phones, so this type of attempt to trace them may prove futile.
In the US, the National Do Not Call Registry assists those who want to stop nuisance phone calls. People can register up to three phone numbers at a time and have the option to file a complaint if they still get calls from telemarketers after 31 days. The registration is permanent and therefore no longer requires periodic renewal, thanks to the Do-Not-Call Improvement Act, which took effect in February 2008. Outside the United States, consumers have various options for dealing with unwanted calls. Your local telephone company or a consumer protection organization are two possible places to start.
Harassing or threatening calls are potentially more serious than nuisance calls. A person receiving these types of calls should consider contacting their local law enforcement authority directly. In many places, making harassing phone calls is a crime, with serious legal consequences.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
