Robocalls and Scammers

[PrimeTimer]

We don't live in Florida but I noticed that ever since Hurricane Michael hit the amount of robocalls from scammers has dramatically dropped off. It suddenly got very quiet. Would it be safe to assume that a lot of these scammers are located in Florida (even tho caller ID says otherwise)? We have a land line and some days I want to throw it out the window. Thank god for caller ID. We never answer a call that we aren't expecting. And even then we're not so sure we should...

[Rerun]

Hmmm I think you may have something there Paul.  I haven't seemed to have very many the last few days as well.   I answer and can hang up as soon as I hear "Hi This is Elizabeth"  or they pronounce my name wrong.  I want to grab them thru the phone and throw them out the window. 

[Michael Murphy]

If the callers are using the same phone numbers and you have caller id there are devices available that will filter these calls out.  I have one on my land line that will eliminate 2000 numbers. It has a big red button on it and I love to push it after a get a annoying call. I know they can now call all they like and my phone will never ring.  And on my iPhone I can block calls the same way .

[PrimeTimer]

I'd almost be willing to take a day just to sit and block scammers but read that blocking doesn't work bcuz they just come up with more numbers to use. With any luck, maybe the scammers in Florida found their butts and auto dialer devices tossed like tumbleweeds during the recent hurricane and washed away. I have no sympathy. Meanwhile, apparently the FCC is coming out with a program to put an end to these lowlife parasites. They are calling it Shaken & Stir.

https://www.rcrwireless.com/20170919/test-and-measurement/foiling-robocalls-shaken-stir-tag6

[Michael Murphy]

Verizon has started marking possible scammers in the caller I’d.  I think they are comparing ani and dnis the number called and the number originated, this is used for billing then the compare to caller id. If different possible scammer.  The call blockers in the next generation will be able to see the scammer label and block that call.

[Charlie B53]

Robocallers are getting quite sophisticated and are spoofing the caller ID, often showing a local number so you are more apt to answer it.  The second I hear the recorded voice I hang up.

Blocking that particular number doesn't really do much as they are constantly changing the spoofed number of the originating call.

I missed answering one day and seeing that it was a local call I returned the call. My call was intercepted with the phone company's recording
"this number is not in service."

Generally I will never return any call unless I KNOW the number.

[Michael Murphy]

The phone companies know when caller I’d is spoofed.  There is a control network that is used to set up monitor and bill the call.  Each call has a ani (originating number) and dnis (number dialed).  If the ani does not match the caller Id then most likely a scam call.

[iolaire]

We use an https://www.obitalk.com/obinet/ Obi device for our home phone that uses google voice for the service. No only is it free but it does a very good job with spam protection. We still get valid marketing calls from local charities and such but most robo calls are block. We still have to pay $15/year for 911 service but the rest is free, after giving google access to our very limited call history and voicemail comes via email.