Survey calls, often conducted by research organizations or telemarketers, can be a nuisance for many, especially older adults. While some survey calls are legitimate, others may be intrusive or even deceptive. Understanding how to manage these calls effectively can help maintain peace and privacy.
What Are Survey Calls and Why Are They a Concern?
Survey calls are typically made to gather opinions or data for research purposes. However, they can be disruptive and, in some cases, may be used as a pretext for scams. Older adults, in particular, may be more susceptible to deceptive practices associated with such calls.
How Can Older Adults Reduce Survey Calls?
1. Register with the National Do Not Call Registry
By adding your number to the National Do Not Call Registry, you can reduce the number of unsolicited sales calls. While this won't stop all survey calls, it can decrease the volume of unwanted solicitations. Registration is free and can be done online at DoNotCall.gov. (consumer.ftc.gov)
2. Utilize Call-Blocking Technologies
Many phone service providers offer call-blocking features:
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AT&T's Call Protect: This service automatically blocks calls from known scammers and provides alerts for suspected spam calls. It also offers fraud auto-blocking, which gives the caller a busy signal, preventing the call from going through. (att.com)
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Frontier's Call Blocking Tools: Frontier provides an optional call-blocking feature pack that includes anonymous call rejection and selective call rejection, allowing users to block calls from specific numbers or unknown callers. (frontier.com)
3. Use Call-Blocking Apps
For mobile phones, third-party apps can help identify and block unwanted calls. Apps like Mr. Number and Hiya maintain databases of known spam numbers and can automatically block or alert users to potential spam calls. (howtogeek.com)
What Are the Limitations of These Measures?
It's important to note that while these strategies can significantly reduce unwanted calls, they may not eliminate them entirely. Some survey organizations and political entities are exempt from the National Do Not Call Registry. Additionally, scammers often use tactics like caller ID spoofing to disguise their identity, making it challenging to block all unwanted calls effectively. (tomsguide.com)
How Should Older Adults Respond to Unwanted Survey Calls?
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Do Not Engage: If you receive a call from an unknown number, especially if it seems suspicious, it's best not to answer. If you do answer and the call is a survey, you can politely decline to participate.
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Hang Up Immediately: If you realize the call is a survey or solicitation, hang up without providing any personal information.
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Report Unwanted Calls: If you continue to receive unwanted calls after registering with the National Do Not Call Registry, you can file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. (usa.gov)
Conclusion
Managing survey calls requires a combination of proactive measures and cautious responses. By registering with the National Do Not Call Registry, utilizing call-blocking technologies, and being vigilant about unsolicited calls, older adults can significantly reduce the impact of unwanted survey calls.
Highlights:
- How to Stop Unwanted Calls | Consumer Advice
- How To Block Unwanted Calls | Consumer Advice
- How to block robocalls | Tom's Guide, Published on Sunday, July 24
