Robocalls Are More Than a Nuisance – They are a Growing Threat
Robocalls are not just annoying — many are likely scams. In a new study, Juniper Research predicts that global losses to robocall fraud will exceed $80 billion this year. The increased losses are being driven by increasingly sophisticated tactics and the growing use of AI-generated voice scams.
Robocall scams involve automated calls, often with prerecorded messages, that attempt to defraud individuals. These scams often spoof caller IDs, making it appear as though the call is from a legitimate or local number. Common tactics include impersonating government agencies, offering fake services such as extended warranties, or attempting to gather personal information.
Robocall fraud impacts businesses as well, particularly in financial services and healthcare. Robocall scams can trick employees into making fraudulent payments for fake products or services, leading to direct financial losses. They also disrupt operations by wasting employee time and resources, and damage a company’s reputation and customer trust.
It is important to be aware of the robocall scam threat and take these steps whether you are at home or work.
Do not answer calls from unknown numbers. Robocalls often spoof caller ID information, making it difficult to tell if a call is legitimate. Avoid answering calls from numbers you do not recognize, particularly if you are not expecting the call.
Register with the Do Not Call Registry. Register your phone number with the Federal Trade Commission’s National Do Not Call Registry to reduce unwanted telemarketing calls. Be aware that some legitimate businesses may still call you even if you are registered, and illegal robocalls will often ignore the registry.
Use call blocking and labeling services. Contact your phone company to inquire about call-blocking and labeling services they offer. Consider using third-party apps designed to block or filter spam calls.
Avoid interacting with robocalls. Do not respond to prompts like “press 1 to unsubscribe” or provide any personal information. Hang up immediately if you suspect a robocall or scam.
Report illegal robocalls. If you receive an unwanted or illegal robocall, file a complaint with the Federal Communications Commission or the Federal Trade Commission. Provide as much detail as possible, including the number that called, the date and time, and any information the caller provided. If you lost money or have information about the scammer, file a complaint at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Always be cautious of unknown callers. If a caller claims to be from a business or government agency, hang up and verify their identity by contacting the organization directly using information found on their official website or billing statements. Be especially wary of callers who pressure you for immediate action or personal information.