FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT ROBOCALLS

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If you've received an unsolicited call or text, you are not alone. Robocalls seem to be on the rise, and we'd like to share some information that may help you navigate these calls if and when you receive them.

Q: What are robocalls?

A: Robocalls are unsolicited telemarketing calls to landlines and cell phones, autodialed calls, or text messages to cell phones.

Q: What is the difference between a robocall and a spam call?

• Robocalls deliver an automated or pre-recorded message that is sometimes legal with customer consent.
• Spam calls are unsolicited, with the intention to trick or scam the person on the other end.

Q: Why do you receive robocalls?

A: There may be several reason you may be receiving robocalls. An example might be from a loan application:

• A credit profile is obtained from a credit bureau when you apply for a loan. Credit bureaus have event trigger programs that flag individuals in the market for a loan.
• Other lending institutions often purchase leads from credit bureaus. Since the credit bureau flagged you as applying for a home loan, the list would include you as a consumer in the market for a home loan.

Q: What are some best practices if you answer a robocall?

• Exercise caution when answering unsolicited calls.
• Hang up as soon as you realize it's an unsolicited call.
• Avoid following the prompted instructions.
• Report the call to the Federal Trade Commission at www.donotcall.gov.

Q: What steps can you take to stop robocalls?

A: You can opt out of these unsolicited calls for five years or permanently by calling toll-free 1-888-5-OPTOUT (1-888-567-8688) or visiting www.optoutprescreen.com. You're required to provide personal information, including home telephone number, name, Social Security number and date of birth. The credit bureaus operate this opt-out service, and the information provided is confidential and will be used only to process the request to opt out.

You can also place your home or personal cell phone number on the national do-not-call list. To register a number, go to www.donotcall.gov.

If you have additional questions about a robocall you received, two good resources are the Federal Communications Commission (fcc.gov) and Federal Trade Commission (ftc.gov).