Receiving unsolicited fundraising calls can be both disruptive and frustrating. While some calls are legitimate, others may be intrusive or even deceptive. Fortunately, there are several strategies you can employ to reduce these unwanted calls.
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 Do I Register My Number?
To add your number to the National Do Not Call Registry:
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Online Registration: Visit DoNotCall.gov and follow the instructions to register your phone number.
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Phone Registration: Call 1-888-382-1222 from the phone you wish to register.
After registering, it may take up to 31 days for telemarketing calls to decrease. If you continue to receive unwanted calls after this period, you can file a complaint with the FTC. (consumer.ftc.gov)
What Are Call-Blocking Apps and How Do They Work?
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 and community reports to filter out unwanted calls. Some popular call-blocking apps include:
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Robokiller: An app that uses advanced algorithms to block spam calls and provides real-time alerts.
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Nomorobo: A service that blocks robocalls and telemarketers by analyzing incoming calls and blocking known spam numbers.
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Hiya: An app that identifies and blocks spam calls, providing users with a spam score for each incoming call.
These apps can be particularly effective in reducing unwanted calls. For instance, Robokiller has been recognized for its high accuracy in blocking spam calls. (frontier.com)
How Do I Use Call-Blocking Apps?
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Download the App: Visit your device's app store (Google Play Store for Android or Apple App Store for iOS) and search for the call-blocking app you prefer.
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Install and Set Up: Follow the on-screen instructions to install and configure the app. This may involve granting the app permission to access your call logs and contacts.
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Customize Settings: Adjust the app's settings to suit your preferences, such as enabling automatic blocking of spam calls or setting up alerts for blocked calls.
What Are My Rights When Receiving Fundraising Calls?
When you receive a fundraising call, the caller is required to:
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Identify Themselves: Clearly state the name of the charity they represent.
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Disclose the Purpose: Inform you that they are seeking a donation.
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Provide Contact Information: Offer a way for you to contact the charity directly.
If you request to be placed on the charity's do-not-call list, they are obligated to honor your request. If you continue to receive calls after making this request, you can report the charity to the FTC. (consumer.ftc.gov)
How Can I Report Unwanted Calls?
If you receive unwanted calls despite being on the National Do Not Call Registry, or if you encounter deceptive practices, you can report them to the FTC. This helps authorities identify and take action against violators. (usa.gov)
Are There Additional Steps I Can Take?
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Use Built-In Phone Features: Many smartphones have built-in features to block or silence unknown callers. For example, on iPhones, you can enable 'Silence Unknown Callers' in the settings. (malwarebytes.com)
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Be Cautious with Your Number: Limit sharing your phone number to trusted sources and avoid posting it publicly.
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Educate Yourself: Stay informed about common phone scams and fundraising tactics to recognize and avoid them.
By implementing these strategies, you can significantly reduce the number of unwanted fundraising calls you receive, allowing you to focus on the calls that matter most.
