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Call blockers warn robocalls will increase during election year
Mar 2, 2020, 9:42 AM | Updated: 10:05 am
Call blockers are warning Utahns robocalls are likely to increase over the coming months leading up to the presidential election. (Getty)
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — Call blockers are warning Utahns robocalls are likely to increase leading up to the presidential election. CPR Call Blocker, a call blocking device service, is encouraging cell phone users to know their rights when it comes to these “annoying calls.”
November 2020 brings the opportunity for voters to elect all 435 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives, 35 of the 100 Senate seats and the presidential nominee.
“People throughout Utah receive these types of annoying calls every day,” said Chelsea Davies, CPR Call Blocker Business Development Manager in a press release. “Some of these robocalls, which are more informative in nature, such as those from political parties or charities, can be extremely irritating but they are perfectly legal. Unfortunately, people in Utah can expect to see a significant rise in these types of calls in the coming months.”
While these may be largely information-based robocalls, Davies is warning that scam calls may begin to increase as well.
Scam calls 101
Typically, scam callers claim to be from the IRS or other law enforcement agencies asking for personal information. CPR recommends hanging up if there is any doubt of the caller on the other end and to never give out information.
Blocking services say legitimate sources wouldn’t ask for things like that because they should already have it.
CPR also warns to ensure the line has been fully disconnected before making another call.
“A robocall cannot legally attempt to sell you anything unless you gave them written consent so if you receive calls of this nature simply put the phone down,” Davies said. “It’s good to report robocalls that are trying to sell you something or scam you to the Federal Trade Commission.”
How to avoid election robocalls
Davies said there are different ways to prevent these calls from happening. These include signing up for the National Do Not Call Registry or taking a phone number out of directories. Doing this officially forfeits consent to be contacted.
“In the meantime, if you suspect you may have compromised your account, contact your bank or card provider as soon as possible,” she said. “It also advisable to check your bank and card statements regularly for unauthorized charged as a matter of course.”
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