Overview
- Current guidance advises answering unknown calls briefly to say you are not interested and to ask that your number be removed from the caller’s database.
- Automated calling systems often treat rejected or unanswered calls as signs of an active line and will try again, whereas a clear refusal can prompt deletion from lists.
- Avoid simple affirmations or greetings such as “yes,” “hola,” or “aló,” which scammers can record for fraudulent authorizations or to build manipulated audio of your voice.
- Do not share personal or financial information by phone; if a call seems suspicious, hang up, block or mark the number, and report it to the FTC.
- Carrier and device spam alerts can flag likely scams and let you decline calls, yet these tools are limited and user actions and reporting remain crucial.