Ask Sid: Attack of the Telemarketing Robocalls - AARP Bulletin Scams & Fraud

Attack of the Robocalls

Q. I still get unwanted telemarketing robocalls, which makes me wonder: Are certain phone numbers or area codes targeted more often than others? A. When it comes to registrants of the National Do Not Call Registry, a new report finds that certain about prerecorded robocalls, which are made with automated calling systems that dial phone numbers in sequence. In 2009, area code 480 in Arizona topped the list, followed by Georgia’s 770, Virginia’s 703, Maryland’s 410, and New York’s 718. The Federal Trade Commission has taken steps to try to stop robocalls—especially since that bar most calls made to any consumer who doesn’t provide written permission. In December, the FTC sued three companies for violating Do Not Call rules, alleging that they made hundreds of thousands of robocalls falsely promising reduced interest rates on credit cards. Legitimate telemarketers are following the new rules and updating their calling lists every month as required by FTC regulations. But less-than-honorable marketers continue to make illegal live calls and robocalls to registrants, often peddling fraudulent schemes. Your best bet: Do not answer your phone if your caller ID indicates a hidden or unrecognized phone number. Sid Kirchheimer writes about health and consumer issues. Cancel You are leaving AARP.org and going to the website of our trusted provider. The provider’s terms, conditions and policies apply. Please return to AARP.org to learn more about other benefits. Your email address is now confirmed. You'll start receiving the latest news, benefits, events, and programs related to AARP's mission to empower people to choose how they live as they age. You can also by updating your account at anytime. You will be asked to register or log in. Cancel Offer Details Disclosures

Close In the next 24 hours, you will receive an email to confirm your subscription to receive emails related to AARP volunteering. Once you confirm that subscription, you will regularly receive communications related to AARP volunteering. In the meantime, please feel free to search for ways to make a difference in your community at Javascript must be enabled to use this site. Please enable Javascript in your browser and try again.