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July 16, 2026
How to Get Fewer Robocalls
Your phone rings. The number is unfamiliar, but the area code looks local.
You answer, only to hear a recorded voice announcing that you have been “pre-approved” for a loan, debt consolidation, or another offer you never requested.
Sound familiar?
In this NBC10 Boston segment, consumer reporter Bianca Beltrán examined why these calls keep reaching consumers and what you can do to receive fewer of them.
See the full breakdown below or click here to see it on Youtube.
Robocalls Are More Than an Annoyance
Robocalls can arrive at almost any time of day and from constantly changing phone numbers.
Some are unwanted sales calls. Others are designed to steal money, personal information, or account details.
The NBC10 Boston report cited more than 127,000 robocall complaints submitted to the Federal Trade Commission in June alone. The FTC collects reports about unwanted calls and shares the data with telecommunications companies and other organizations working on call-blocking solutions.
That is a lot of people collectively asking, “Who keeps calling me?”
Why Robocalls Often Look Local
Scammers know you are more likely to answer a number that appears familiar.
That is why many robocalls use caller ID spoofing, a technique that lets callers disguise the number shown on your screen. Some even display a number with your area code or the same first six digits as your phone number.
This tactic is known as neighbor spoofing. The call looks local, but the person behind it could be calling from almost anywhere.
A familiar area code does not mean the caller is someone you know.
The “Pre-Approved” Offer Is the Hook
One common robocall claims that you have already been approved for something valuable.
The message might mention:
- A small business loan
- Debt or loan consolidation
- A lower interest rate
- Financial assistance
- A limited time offer
The goal is to make the opportunity sound personal and immediate.
But if you never applied for the offer, that “approval” should raise questions not excitement.
Scammers may use the initial message to get you to press a button, speak with a representative, provide personal information, or pay an upfront fee.
How to Get Fewer Robocalls
You may not be able to prevent every unwanted call, but you can significantly reduce how many reach you.
1. Use Call Blocking Protection
The report recommends using a call-protection service that can warn you about suspicious callers or block them before your phone rings.
The FTC also describes call blocking as one of the strongest defenses against unwanted calls because scammers do not follow the rules of the National Do Not Call Registry.
2. Let Unknown Calls Go to Voicemail
Do not feel obligated to answer simply because the phone is ringing.
Let voicemail do the screening. You can review the message and independently verify the caller before responding.
3. Do Not Press Any Buttons
A recorded message may tell you to press a number to speak with someone or remove yourself from the calling list.
Do not do it.
The FTC warns that pressing a button during an illegal robocall may lead to more unwanted calls. Hang up instead.
4. Treat Unexpected Offers With Suspicion
Be careful when an unsolicited caller says you have been approved for a loan, financial program, or special opportunity.
Before providing information, ask yourself:
- Did I apply for this?
- Can I verify the company independently?
- Is the caller pressuring me to act immediately?
- Are they requesting payment or sensitive information?
Never rely solely on the phone number or name displayed on caller ID.
5. Report Illegal Robocalls
You can report unwanted robocalls through the FTC’s Do Not Call reporting system.
Include the number shown on your caller ID, the date and time of the call, and any callback number mentioned in the recording. Even when the displayed number appears fake, those reports can help identify calling patterns.
How Nomorobo Helps Stop Robocalls
Scammers rely on speed, volume, and curiosity.
Nomorobo helps identify and block unwanted robocalls and scam calls before they reach you. Instead of wondering whether every unknown number deserves your attention, you can add another layer of protection between your phone and the people trying to misuse it.
Get protected with Nomorobo and help stop unwanted robocalls and scam calls before they reach you.
