techno geeks

[skeets]

OK, so I don't get many phone calls, and when I do I always check the number. Lately a lot of calls come in ring 2 or 3 times and stop, no message no name nada, so I have to assume they are robo calls.
But lately some calls have come in for numbers ,the look like I should know them.
So reverse number look up,, tons of them and they all want money, while I dont mind paying for a service if I have to, there has got to be free ones out there some place, or is that something from a by gone day?

 

[Speed25]

With number spoofing, these spammers can have the caller ID show up with any number they choose, even matching legitimate local numbers. If you actually call the number back, you won't reach the spammer, but might get the local Pizza Hut or whatever. I haven't seen any good ways of preventing these calls because the numbers they're using are legitimate phone numbers.

 

[imnukensc]

If I get a call from a number that's not in my contacts, I don't answer. If they really want to talk to me, they'll leave a message. If they do leave a message and it's some sort of scammer BS, I block the number.

 

[NCL4701]

Prior to retirement I had access to a service that allowed reverse lookup and would show carrier, landline v cellular, owner name and address if not a burner, purchase place and date/time if burner, etc.

@Speed25 is correct. If they’re using a permanent line, they’ll spoof the number so a reverse lookup will lead you to the wrong party.

If they’re using burner phones and not hiding their number it will lead you nowhere. If you spend some money you could get the place and time of purchase, but that would still be a dead end without a court order to review the retailer’s records and still might not get you to the actual person.

It’s gotten to be pretty common for folks to not answer if not a known number and only return calls if legit voice mail left. From the caller standpoint, two calls back to back will often get an answer if it’s a real emergency.

BTW, I despise robo-calls and scam callers.

 

[Tractor Gal]

Believe it or not, I have had calls that the ID showed it was my own number calling! Had to laugh when I saw that. I'm like others...if I hear the phone ring, I wait to see if there is a message. If no message left, I was glad that I didn't answer!

Tractor Gal

 

[GreensvilleJay]

I don't bother answering the phone anymore(no cell, just a VOIP version). 3 rings, 'please leave a message'. It's very, very rare someone actually leaves a message. If they do , I call back within the hour.

 

[Tractor Gal]

Since it appears many of these robo calls are not successful, I wonder what they will try next in order to make entry to us? Or maybe, there are enough people who do answer and fall for the "pitch" that they will keep doing it for a while?

TG

 

[Russell King]

I have a feature on the IPhone that is something like “ignore unknown numbers”. If the call is from a number that is NOT in your directory, the phone doesn’t announce who is calling and quickly sends it to voicemail. There are few voicemails ever left.

It does have some drawbacks- like if someone that you hire to do work calls you will miss their call un you add them into your phone’s directory .

 

[RCW]

Believe it or not, I have had calls that the ID showed it was my own number calling! Had to laugh when I saw that. I'm like others...if I hear the phone ring, I wait to see if there is a message. If no message left, I was glad that I didn't answer!

Tractor Gal

Skeets - - - just like @Tractor Gal, I got a call from my own number once!

I treat them all as spam calls, like the others. Same with emails, I don't click on anything.

 

[GeoHorn]

Skeets - - - just like @Tractor Gal, I got a call from my own number once!

I treat them all as spam calls, like the others. Same with emails, I don't click on anything.

@RCW…. from YOURSELF? Don’t you know that doin’ yur own self can make you GO BLIND!! ??