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Are illegal robocalls clogging your phone?

Posted at 7:46 PM, Apr 25, 2018
and last updated 2018-04-25 22:46:38-04

You pick up the phone, there's that two second pause then you hear a voice click on the line.

Yep. It's another robocall.

But knowing which are allowed and which are not can be very confusing because the rules largely depend on whether you're using a cell phone or land line.

Let's say you get an automated call about a political poll, a charity raising money, or an update about your flight running late.

As long as the calls are made to your landline, the Federal Communications Commission says they are legal.

So are robocalls from research surveys and reminders about appointments.

But no auto dialers can call your cell phone without your written or oral permission. If they do, the FCC says they are breaking the law.

So what about the National Do Not Call Registry? Isn't it supposed to stop this from happening in the first place? It depends.

The Federal Trade Commission says "most" legitimate companies won't call if your name is on the list.

While a few companies still try to skirt the rules, the FCC says an illegal robocall trying to sell you something without your consent "is most likely a scam"

So what can you do?

-Don't pick up. And don't press any buttons if you do
-Use call blocker apps or equipment to lessen the amount
-Finally, you have the right to sue.  If you can find out where the business is and get them served it could mean $500 per violation.

Let me know if you do. And don't forget to file a detailed complaint with the FTC.