The number of annoying robocalls ringing on your cellphone or landline could be reduced if a federal crackdown announced Tuesday is successful.
But the Federal Trade Commission also advised consumers to help themselves, with these tips:
? Let unfamiliar phone numbers go directly to voicemail.
? If you answer a call with an automated recording, hang up immediately.
? Ask your carrier about call-blocking services.
? Report the calls to the Commission at ftc.gov/calls.
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On your mobile phone:
? Download a call-blocking app. Some are free, others charge a monthly fee.
? See what services your wireless carrier offers.
? See what built-in features your phone has to block calls.
On your landline:
? See what call-blocking services your carrier has.
? Install a call-blocking service that use blacklists to stop unwanted calls or divert them to voicemail.
? See what services your carrier has. Some offer a service which creates “Whitelists” of approved phone numbers.
On voice-over-Internet phones:.
? Use a blocking service — some are free, some are not — that will stop calls, ring silently or go straight to voicemail.
Twitter @corilyns