Verizon and Robocall Annoyances

Smartphones allow you to block calls. Verizon won't do anything about it. If you got a sp I doubt you'd still be saying you prefer the flip.

a smart phone is pretty much your only option. i installed the NoMoRoBo app on my iPhone 7 and spam calls dropped to near zero. that app runs a couple of $ per month but there are others.

It's hard to imagine anyone responding to a robo call for anything, but someone must be or they wouldn't be doing it.

The carrier, no matter who it is, isn't going block calls without the user telling them which ones to block, or actively opting into a service (app) that gives them permission to block calls that they deem as spam or risky. Think of the quagmire that would ensue if they proactively blocked calls to consumers that they unilaterally decide the consumer doesn't want to get. Users would be upset because that call that the carrier thought was spam was someone that they actually wanted to talk to. Businesses can sue for blocking access to their customers.

So, the way for the consumer to tell the carrier which calls to block is through any variety of apps that are unfortunately only available on Smartphones. In 2019, it is projected that half of all calls that traverse mobile carriers' networks will be robo/spam calls. The popular smartphone operating systems come with the ability to select a call and add it to a block list manually. In addition to that, AT&T (as an example) has an app called "AT&T Call Protect." They actively classify spam, telemarketers, etc. When a call comes through it will say "Suspected Spam" or "Telemarketer" or "Potential Fraud" You can also block these types of calls through the app.

Someone calls me dozens of times a day from a 908 number but I never see them - they're actively blocked by the AT&T app. The robocaller is so fast that it redials within milliseconds as soon as the call is rejected. Most calls come up 10 or more times in a row and all appear to be at the same exact time because it dials back so fast.



Might be time to get a smartphone...

Have you put your cell on the "donotcall.gov"?

enblethen wrote:
Have you put your cell on the "donotcall.gov"?

Now there's a joke. Intentional or not. That is a huge waste of resources, it does nothing. We put our phone number into the data base, a land line not a cell phone, and noticed absolutely no difference in the number of calls.

OTOH we use NoMoRobo on our landline and the calls have dropped probably 90%.

My opinion is that if the calls don't annoy you then keep your flip phone. When you consider the marketing for smart phones is who has the best, newest, fastest camera in their phone, that may give you an idea how much you need a smart phone. They are handy once in a great while, but mostly not so much.

enblethen wrote:
Have you put your cell on the "donotcall.gov"?

Don't bother. Cell phones are not supposed to be called, that site is for landlines.

fj12ryder wrote:
we use NoMoRobo on our landline and the calls have dropped probably 90%

I should try that. My HTC Verizon call block usually works, but there's one 702 number that keeps getting through regardless by removing the block. Go figure.

enblethen wrote:
Have you put your cell on the "donotcall.gov"?

I did this a few weeks ago for my cell phone and my unknown calls dropped dramatically. So it may not be perfect but it does help.

fj12ryder wrote:
When you consider the marketing for smart phones is who has the best, newest, fastest camera in their phone, that may give you an idea how much you need a smart phone. They are handy once in a great while, but mostly not so much.

You don't have to succumb to the hype and get a $1,000 smartphone. I got both my parents $40 smartphones and they do everything they want (but not much more). Can check e-mail, do some Facebook (my mom) and tune into DirecTV now (my dad).

2oldman wrote:

enblethen wrote:
Have you put your cell on the "donotcall.gov"?

Don't bother. Cell phones are not supposed to be called, that site is for landlines.

When I did mine a few weeks ago they had a specific line for a cell number.
Just tried to go to the site to verify the wording butttt......... Government shutdown...