Receiving unsolicited fundraising calls can be both disruptive and frustrating. Fortunately, there are several strategies you can employ to reduce these interruptions.
What Is the National Do Not Call Registry?
The National Do Not Call Registry is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) that allows consumers to opt out of receiving unsolicited sales calls. By registering your phone number, you can significantly decrease the number of telemarketing calls you receive. However, it's important to note that this registry does not block calls from charities, political organizations, debt collectors, or surveys. (consumer.ftc.gov)
How Can I Register My Number?
To add your number to the National Do Not Call Registry:
- Visit donotcall.gov and click on "Register Your Phone."
- Enter your phone number and email address.
- Check your email inbox for a confirmation message and follow the instructions to complete the registration.
Once registered, telemarketers are required to stop calling your number within 31 days. (consumer.ftc.gov)
What Are Call-Blocking Apps and How Do They Help?
Call-blocking apps are tools designed to identify and block unwanted calls, including robocalls and telemarketing solicitations. These apps use databases of known spam numbers to filter out unwanted calls before they reach you. Some popular call-blocking apps include:
- Robokiller: An app that blocks spam calls and provides real-time alerts.
- Nomorobo: A service that blocks robocalls and telemarketers.
- Hiya: An app that identifies and blocks spam calls.
These apps can be particularly effective in reducing fundraising calls. For instance, Robokiller offers features that not only block unwanted calls but also provide real-time alerts, ensuring you stay informed about potential spam. (frontier.com)
How Do I Block Calls on My Smartphone?
Most smartphones come equipped with built-in features to help manage unwanted calls:
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iPhone: Go to Settings > Phone > Silence Unknown Callers. This feature silences calls from numbers not in your contacts and sends them directly to voicemail. (consumerreports.org)
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Android: Open the Phone app > Settings > Blocked Numbers. Enable "Block Calls From Unidentified Callers" to filter out calls from unknown numbers. (consumerreports.org)
Additionally, many carriers offer services to help block unwanted calls. For example, AT&T provides ActiveArmor, T-Mobile offers Scam Shield, and Verizon has Call Filter. These services can be activated through your carrier's app or customer service. (consumerreports.org)
What Are My Rights When Receiving Fundraising Calls?
Fundraising calls are subject to specific regulations:
- Disclosure: Fundraisers must identify themselves and the charity they represent at the beginning of the call.
- Hours of Operation: They are permitted to call only between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m.
- Do Not Call List: If you request to be placed on a charity's do not call list, they are required to honor your request.
If a fundraiser continues to call after you've asked them to stop, you can report them to the FTC. (consumer.ftc.gov)
How Can I Report Unwanted Calls?
Reporting unwanted calls helps authorities take action against violators:
- FTC: File a complaint at ftc.gov/complaint.
- FCC: Report robocalls and other unwanted calls at consumercomplaints.fcc.gov.
By taking these steps, you can significantly reduce the number of fundraising calls you receive and protect yourself from potential scams.
Highlights:
- How to Stop Unwanted Calls | Consumer Advice
- How To Block Unwanted Calls | Consumer Advice
- The Best Ways to Block Robocalls - Consumer Reports, Published on Wednesday, February 24
