Tips on combating repeat robo-calls

When you answer the phone and hear a brief pause before a friendly voice starts talking, you know it–you’ve been robo-called!

Nobody likes it, but there are a few things you can do to stop it.

Your first weapon is to stop voluntarily giving your phone number out.

You may not realize you’re doing it, but anytime you enter your number on a website to register a new account, robo-callers may be able to get it.

Even providing your number for sweepstakes, charities or registering to vote can put it out there.

You should register your number on the national do not call registry, and consider downloading a call blocking app.

Unfortunately, none of these steps will stop illegal robo-calls.

If you get one of those, you should report it to the Federal Communications Commission.

Meanwhile, the Federal Communications Commission voted on Thursday to allow phone carriers to block suspicious calls by default, that includes robo-calls and scammers.

The proposal allows phone companies to offer their customers the option of blocking any numbers that are not pre-approved.