08/14/2026
GETTING SCAM CALLS?
1. Your number gets marked as “active”
Scammers use auto-dialers to call thousands of numbers.
If you answer:
Your number is flagged as live
It may be added to a “responsive” list
That list can be shared or sold to other scammers
That’s why people often notice more scam calls after answering one.
2. Even just saying “hello” can trigger more calls
You don’t have to give personal info.
Just answering tells their system:
“This is a real person who answers unknown numbers.”
That alone can increase call volume.
3. Saying “yes” isn’t the main risk
There’s a myth about scammers recording you saying “yes” to authorize charges. That’s rare and mostly outdated.
The bigger issue is simply confirming your number is active.
✅ What’s safer to do
Let unknown numbers go to voicemail
Don’t press numbers to “be removed”
Block the number
Register on the National Do Not Call Registry (helps with legit telemarketers, not criminals)
https://www.donotcall.gov/
You can also turn on Call Screening in your phone settings. This feature allows callers to announce why they’re
calling before your phone even rings through. You’ll see a transcript or summary of their response and can decide
whether to answer, decline, or block the call. It’s a simple way to avoid scam calls while still making sure you don’t
miss something important.
Don’t know how? Click the link below for the type of smart phone you have.
iPhone - How to set up call screening
https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=C7Skco6Zu9rVzgY4&v=-ir_hrbFHMk&feature=youtu.be
Andriod/Galaxy - How to set up call screening
https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=LG_j_ahWDwQI1cTJ&v=f1rMVIPdX3I&feature=youtu.be
Register your phone number to report stop or block unwanted, annoying,telemarketing, spam calls, robocalls to the FTC
