Yes, It’s Bad. Robocalls, and Their Scams, Are Surging.

Discussion in 'privacy general' started by ronjor, May 6, 2018.

  1. ronjor

    ronjor Global Moderator

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    By Tara Siegel Bernard May 6, 2018
     
  2. zapjb

    zapjb Registered Member

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    The elderly I know on landlines are getting 30+ robocalls per week.
     
  3. Palancar

    Palancar Registered Member

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    Solution: ditch landlines and turn "do not disturb" (privacy configured) on with smartphones. Haven't had a robo make it through in years.
     
  4. IvoShoen

    IvoShoen Registered Member

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  5. Palancar

    Palancar Registered Member

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    Looks interesting. I used to install 3rd party apps too, but Google Pixel XLs have outstanding Oreo DND native support. Any time I can go native OS support I do. Especially good is the NO visual disturbances features too. My screen doesn't even light up when a "no contact" phone call comes in. Love it.
     
  6. RockLobster

    RockLobster Registered Member

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    Just dont pick up to unknown numbers. If its someone you know they will leave a message or text you.
     
  7. Circuit

    Circuit Registered Member

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    Solution keep the land line and use this:

    https://www.amazon.com/CPR-Call-Blo...9&sr=1-1&keywords=CPR-PROTECT#customerReviews

    "CPR Call Blocker Protect - White List Call Blocker - Protect Vulnerable Adults - Block All Apart From Who You Want To Speak To"
    No robocalls here.
     
  8. rollers

    rollers Registered Member

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    I use the same CPR blocker on my landline...................now I cant remember the last time I had a nuisance call. Set and forget. Now if only they did something that good for my iphone...........
     
  9. chattycathy

    chattycathy Registered Member

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  10. IvoShoen

    IvoShoen Registered Member

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  11. Palancar

    Palancar Registered Member

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    The thing is I don't want to be disturbed at all. If I am watching primetime TV I don't want to deflect my attention and observe its a call from an unknown caller. I don't even want to see my phone screen light up (visual disturbances) at all. My way, the phone sits quiet and DARK with no disturbances for unknown (non-contact) callers. Its amazingly freeing not even having to ignore a call or illuminated screen. Later if such a caller leaves a voicemail (also totally quiet on my end) I can respond to it on my timetable.

    Regarding landlines my issue was family would leave messages while I was out and then I constantly had to play "tag" with them to return the calls. No thanks, now they call my phone and its wherever I am without the "tag team" thing going on.
     
    Last edited: May 10, 2018
  12. Circuit

    Circuit Registered Member

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    Just turn the phone around so you don't see the light, I actually enjoy seeing the jerks trying to get through.
     
  13. Palancar

    Palancar Registered Member

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    To each his own! I write code all day long and when I want to rest during the evening, I also want to be left alone. If you enjoy seeing the jerks trying to get through --- your words ------ then at at least give them a smile for me too. I understand where you are coming from!
     
  14. RockLobster

    RockLobster Registered Member

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    @Palancar yes I get your point and I agree the app is a good one, but I want one that has AI and answers the calls and if it's telemarketers it will play along asking dumb questions about the product.
    Pet insurance? Can I insure my kids with that?
    No it's only for pets
    Oh okay, I'd like a rabbit then.
    You want to insure you rabbit?
    No I don't have a rabbit.
    But you said...
    I said I want a rabbit, a white one with a top hat on, how much are they?
    We don't sell Rabbits we sell insurance.
    Oh okay well I like ducks too, how much are your ducks?
    Actually who needs AI? I could do that myself :)
     
  15. Circuit

    Circuit Registered Member

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    Sure will.
     
  16. ronjor

    ronjor Global Moderator

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  17. Minimalist

    Minimalist Registered Member

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    Caller ID: The Technology Made For Scammers
    https://www.forbes.com/sites/marcwebertobias/2018/06/11/caller-id-the-technology-made-for-scammers
     
  18. zapjb

    zapjb Registered Member

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  19. ronjor

    ronjor Global Moderator

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  20. zapjb

    zapjb Registered Member

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    Reminds me on a Very Small Scale when AT&T/others would collect for Psychic readings calls. Take their cut ~20% & pass on the rest. If you didn't pay no landline & your credit was borked.
     
  21. SouthPark

    SouthPark Registered Member

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  22. guest

    guest Guest

    Google’s Phone app can now prevent some spam calls from interrupting you
    July 13, 2018
    https://www.theverge.com/2018/7/13/17569544/google-phone-app-android-spam-call-filtering-new-feature
     
  23. zapjb

    zapjb Registered Member

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    I get spam from 555-555-xxxx.

    Android 8.1 here. Can I just add 555-555-**** to my call reject list? Or is it 555-555-####?
     
  24. Palancar

    Palancar Registered Member

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    Running 8.1 on an unlocked phone here. The easiest way to make all this crap go away is with Oreo's "do not disturb" rules.

    e.g. in my case I have my phone ring ONLY for contacts on calls/texts during the daylight hours. Do not disturb is set to starred phone contacts during my "sleep" time and NO noise from any texts. Even visual disturbances are eliminated 24/7 so that the screen won't even light up at all if any call or text comes in that won't ring/sound off. Its so nice to never be disturbed by folks you have no intention of interacting with in the first place. It takes a few seconds to add a contact so when someone calls and you "miss" their call you add their contact info. Never again will you miss them via do not disturb. Anybody can leave a voicemail but I set it to no tone and I listen to them a few times a day. As you know salespeople and folks you just don't know usually will NOT leave a message. I have been doing this for years and now I almost never miss a call because a name wasn't in my contact list. You will be in a place where the phone connects you to everybody you want to communicate with and eliminates the disturbances for all others in a short time of doing this. Try it, you'll never go back if you do. Oreo is the best at it so far!
     
  25. zapjb

    zapjb Registered Member

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    Not at all what I'm talking about.
     
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