Living in the DC metro area has made me numb to politics. However, stories like the recent one FCC threatens carriers with ‘regulatory intervention’ over robocalls are hopeful. However, that means there is still a lot of scammers out there making calls and reaching our loved ones. And too often they are very successful — which is why they keep calling.
The tools I implemented in my own home as well as for my clients no longer work. Many of the calls are sneaking through the protections that used to be so effective.
The reality is that now the ONLY defense is to NOT ANSWER THE PHONE. If you don’t recognize a call, let it go to voicemail. When you listen to voicemail, be careful to discern who is legitimate. That part is tough.
What I see in the homes of my clients that are isolated is how excited they are to hear a ringing phone. Regardless of my recommendations, they generally just answer. The insult to injury is how difficult it is to contest and win the credit card charges when we later find out which ones were successful.
If your loved one is still at home and you can, you might consider posting a note on or near the phone:
- The phone scammers are smart and crafty.
- Don’t answer unless you know the caller.
- Never give out ANY of your personal information.
- Don’t give anyone your Credit Card numbers over the phone.
- Call me if you need some help following up on: _______________________
Sometimes, all you can do is work to help defend those that need help. Please let me know if you have any solutions that are working for you and your loved ones now. Interested.
I changed my Dad’s phone number and only gave the new one out to friends & family. It has helped. Now onto junk mail. Saw this post today and am going to give them a try. https://dailycaring.com/get-rid-of-junk-mail-to-prevent-elder-fraud/