Are robocalls driving your mom and dad crazy? They’re not alone. In 2003, the FCC and FTC created the National Do Not Call Registry. People could put their phone number/s on this list to prevent unwanted telemarketing calls. In 2012, the FCC upgraded current rules to make it a requirement of a company to get written consent from people before calling them. It didn’t really help.

As millions of robocalls occur every day, the FCC came out with a new rule in 2019. Phone companies now have the power to block robocalls from going through. Unfortunately, the rule allows phone carriers to charge a fee for automatic call blocking if they’d like. If your parents wanted to have calls blocked, they may have to pay for it.

There are ways to stop robocalls that don’t cost money. Use these tips to help your parents avoid high-pressure sale calls and scams.

Adjust Your Phone’s Settings

Check the options your parents’ phone carrier currently offers. They may already offer free call blocking services. You need to adjust the settings. It’s a good idea to block calls from unknown or unregistered numbers. You may also be able to block calls from foreign numbers.

When a call comes through that isn’t someone your mom or dad know or deal with, manually block that number. You usually have to click on the number in a list and choose the option to block that caller. Over time, the number of robocalls will diminish.

Look into Call Blocking Apps

Look into free call blocking apps. The free version of Hiya does a good job blocking numbers. It’s also good at detecting spoofed calls. Calls Blacklist is an Android-compatible free call blocker that gets great reviews. You may have to deal with some banner ads, but it’s worth it.

Make Sure They’re on the National Do Not Call Registry

Check that your parents’ phone number is on the National Do Not Call Registry. If it isn’t, make sure you add it. If it is and the calls are still coming in, report them all through the website’s reporting form. The more reports there are, the more likely it is that the FCC will catch the perpetrators.

Stop Answering the Phone

The easiest way to avoid robocalls and scams is by never answering the phone. If the call is legit, the caller can leave a message and your parents can call back.

Make sure your parents know how to handle a scam call that does slip through. If they struggle to differentiate a legitimate call from a scam call, it’s a good time to discuss home care services. A caregiver can visit each day to providing companionship and help them field phone calls. Call a home care agency to arrange the services that would benefit your parents.

The staff at Home Care Matters is available to talk with you and your family about all of your needs. Home Care Matters is a home care agency providing quality and affordable Elderly Care in Gainesville, GA, and surrounding areas. Call (678) 828-2195 for more information.

Sources:
Fcc.gov
Usatoday.com

• Author
• Recent Posts

Valerie Darling

Founder, Owner at Home Care Matters

Valerie was born in Miami, FL and after a few family moves, grew up locally in the Marietta, GA area.Valerie is the oldest of 4 (3 younger brothers).She is married and has one child.Valerie is the Founder, Owner and CEO of Home Care Matters.Valerie’s mom, Dee, is the inspiration and primary driver as the how and why the business was born.Valerie says, “My mom is never far from our thoughts.Mom was an integral part of developing and starting HCM before she passed away.Our goal is to stay true to her memory and continue to honor her with the love, values, and ethics she taught us.”

Valerie has the unique experience with home care as she has experienced it from both ends of the spectrum, as a caregiver and as needing care herself as a cancer survivor. Valerie says, “Taking care of someone you love is a physically, mentally and demanding labor of love.Taking care of my mom was the hardest thing I have ever done. It has given me an insight and perspective not many people understand unless you are doing it or have done it.I loved taking care of my mom.I love helping others take care of their love ones too.And now that I’ve been sick, it’s given me a whole new level of empathy and understanding for those who are sick and need help.”

Valerie’s schedule varies daily, but she loves visiting with our clients, families, caregivers, our network partners and being in the office.Says Valerie, “Every day is different, but I wake up excited about what we do, inspired by our team, clients and caregivers.I strive to be a resource to the community.I love my team and I love what we do every day. I like to think my mom would be proud.”

You can reach Valerie by email (Valerie@homecarematters.com) or in our office (770.965.4004).

Latest posts by Valerie Darling (see all)

• Tips for Seniors When Choosing a New Medical Doctor - April 12, 2024
• Home Care Matters Receives 3 Home Care Pulse 2024 Best of Home Care® Awards - April 10, 2024
• Five Ways Home Care Supports Aging in Place - April 4, 2024