Tired of being bombarded by telemarketing calls? You're not alone. Almost everyone has experienced the frustration of spam calls, and seniors are especially vulnerable. John Stone and Ann Johnson-Stone, both in their 80s, are trying to enjoy their retirement, but the constant stream of scam phone calls has become a major disruption. They receive over 50 calls a day on just one of their cell phones, not to mention the additional calls on their landline. But here's where it gets controversial: experts say the best way to reduce spam calls is to stop answering the phone altogether. Katie Hass, Director of the Utah Division of Consumer Protection, explains that once you start answering these calls, you're more likely to get on a list shared by robocallers and telemarketers. So, what's the solution? Well, it's not as simple as just hanging up. If it's a real person or a doctor's office, they'll usually leave a message, and you can call them back. But for telemarketers, there's a more effective strategy. Utah's Division of Consumer Protection recommends adding your name to the Do Not Call Registry, operated by the FTC. This registry helps to penalize telemarketers who ignore the list and call you anyway. It takes 45 days for the Registry to update with your number, but it's a small price to pay for peace of mind. And if you're looking for more tips on how to protect yourself from scam text messages, we've got you covered. So, the next time you hear that familiar ringtone, remember: it's not just your phone ringing, it's your freedom from spam calls.
