I've been getting inundated by calls from random toll free numbers

[captain queeg]

I just don’t answer calls if I don’t recognize the number. I figure if it’s important they’ll leave me a message. So lately they’ve taken a slightly different twist. They usual jut hang up but now they stay on long enough to catch 10-15 seconds on the answering machine but all they say is my name and are you there? Then they hang up. I suppose it’s just supposed to interest me enough that’ll I’ll pick up, but like I said if it’s important they’ll leave a message. Just wondered if anyone else has noticed this tactic?

[CaliforniaPeggy]

1. Sure thing!

I generally think that they don’t realize they’re talking to an answering machine . Pretty stupid!

[TwilightZone]

2. They're recorded robocalls.

They're made to sound like someone is actually there, but they're pre-recorded. They've been making the rounds for a long time.

If it's a landline through an internet provider (VOIP), sign up for Nomorobo for free.

https://www.nomorobo.com/

Note: it's only free for landlines.

We signed up years ago and it reduced calls of that nature by probably 90% or more.

Some more info on blocking robocalls:

https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/block-robocalls-and-spam-calls

[captain queeg]

3. Thanks.I don't have a land line It didn't occur to me that they are robocalls because they've been asking for me by

name. But they could certainly be sophisticated enough now days to fill that in.

[AllaN01Bear]

4. i finaly set my cordless phone into silent mode and turn the noise makers down including the answering

machine one . to do that on most phones , select , # then code 160 and a menu for the hand set and or base willl pop up. type in 160. at one point i was yanking the cord but that was no good meaning if there was a reverse 911 call coming in or if my family members had a emergency call for me . so i did that. so much quieter . i think they got the hint. fcc made a big hit on a illeagel call center in the midwest last summer . arrested several ppl and only fined them.
didnt take them long to re set up. i wanna see the perps do jail time

[captain queeg]

5. At least they went after them.

I registered on the don’t call list but it didn’t really make a difference. They have some way to generate “from” numbers randomly. Used to be I could block those guys but now it’s a different number each time.