Is There Any Way to Stop Getting Unwanted Robocalls?

February 20, 2020

Whether it's a helpful announcement from your child's school or an appointment reminder from a doctor's office, getting robocalls has become an everyday occurrence. Unfortunately, robocalls are also used by criminals to collect consumers' personal and financial information and/or conduct various scams.


The good news is that consumers have won additional protections against unwanted robocalls under the Telephone Robocall Abuse Criminal Enforcement and Deterrence (TRACED) Act. One of the main goals of the law is to make it easier for consumers to avoid unwanted robocalls by:
  • Requiring all carriers to implement caller-ID technology at no additional cost to consumers
  • Making it easier for law enforcement to prosecute illegal robocallers and increasing penalties for robocall violations
  • Creating an interagency task force to study and improve government prosecution of robocall violations
Even when these new protections are implemented, it will take some time to eliminate unwanted robocalls. In the meantime, here are some things you can do to protect yourself:
  • Don't answer calls when you don't recognize the phone number.
  • If you pick up an unwanted robocall, hang up right away and avoid answering "yes" or "no" questions, providing personal information, or pressing a number to "opt out."
  • Consider signing up for a robocall blocking service. Many phone service providers now offer robocall blocking solutions at no additional charge, or you can download additional robocall protection through a third-party app.
  • Register your phone number on the National Do Not Call (DNC) Registry, which removes your number from the call lists used by legitimate telemarketing companies. Keep in mind that registering with the DNC Registry will result in your getting fewer calls from legitimate telemarketers, but it won't stop illegal robocallers from contacting you.

All Securities Through Money Concepts Capital Corp., Member FINRA / SIPC

11440 North Jog Road, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418 Phone: 561.472.2000

Copyright 2010 Money Concepts International Inc.



Investments are not FDIC or NCUA Insured

May Lose Value - No Bank or Credit Union Guarantee

This communication is strictly intended for individuals residing in the state(s) of MI. No offers may be made or accepted from any resident outside the specific states referenced.
Prepared by Broadridge Advisor Solutions Copyright 2020.
Elderly couple speaking with a younger woman, likely a professional. Light background.
By TFC Team September 29, 2025
When can you change your health insurance plan? How often should you review your current health insurance plan? Who should I contact with any insurance questions?
A Black woman with curly hair smiles at a laptop in a modern office. She wears a suit and striped shirt.
By FMC Team September 29, 2025
Time horizon at retirement: see how goals shift from saving to managing liquidity, sequence-of-returns risk, and long-term sustainability.
A man and woman in a kitchen looking at a laptop together.
By TFC Team September 29, 2025
Every wonder how much money you will be able to provide to your beneficiaries if you were to pass away? Do you have enough to cover the expenses and taxes?
Man in suit and hard hat reviews a document in front of shipping containers in a cargo yard.
By TFC Team September 29, 2025
The chart below shows a breakdown of trade with our six top trading partners.
Show More