How Did Robo-callers Get My Number?

Do you ever answer a phone call and are greeted by an automated voice with a preset recording? This may be an illegal scam. 

How did they get my phone number? What is the purpose of these calls? How do I get them to stop? These are some common questions one might have upon receiving a robocall that will be answered below: 

• Some websites have tiny disclaimers that state you agree to having your information collected and sold to other companies upon opening a link or checking a box. Your phone number is usually obtained from your information being sold and collected somewhere.  
• These robocalls are scams and thus will try to get any information out of you. Refrain from giving them anything. Just hang up! 
• You can confirm if a robocall is real or not by searching for the name of the company calling you. If it’s from an established company like Sutter Health, give them a call using their public-facing, verified phone number and inquire whether or not the company attempted to reach you. If no name in the robocall is provided or if it’s from a company you’ve never heard of, there’s a good chance it’s a scam.  
• If you receive a robocall, block the number and report it at https://www.donotcall.gov/. Reporting robocalls helps law enforcement stop them. 

These types of calls can be annoying, but there is a process to safely navigate around them. Educating others about the dangers of robocalls along with what steps to take helps prevent individuals falling victim to them.  

To report suspected scams or fraud, call the Federal Trade Commission at   
(877)-382-4357, from 9 AM-5 PM ET. Or visit https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/.    

If you are interested in learning more about protecting yourself against robocall related scams, speak with a Community Resource Specialist: (408)-350-3200, option 1.