Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO) - Robocalls

[Rhiannon12866]

Robocalls are a growing problem. If only we could make the FCC care a little bit more about fixing it.

[Dennis Donovan]

1. I keep getting the extended auto warranty calls - several a day...

Almost always spoofed with the same area code I'm in (thinking it's a personal call, I'll pick up, only to be greeted with a recording). It's gotten worse over the last 2 yrs. So much for "do not call".

[Rhiannon12866]

3. Did you ask them to say "I'm not a robot?"

[Dennis Donovan]

4. I will next time.

[xxqqqzme]

2. My phone warns me

with 'spam call' on the screen. Most are local area code. Don't all phones do that?

John was particularly hilarious tonight.

[Rhiannon12866]

10. Some do and some don't - at least with Caller ID

And I agree that John was really on a roll, one of his funniest ever!

[Silver Gaia]

5. Registering with NoMoRobo

has worked really well for us on the landline. If it's available to you, I recommend it!

[question everything]

13. Unfortunately CenturyLink is not listed

Neither is ATT that we used for long distance..

[Rhiannon12866]

16. Thanks so much for the suggestion!

I'll have to look int it!

[Fritz Walter]

6. Question about NoMoRobo

I still have a land-line at home because my home security system requires a dial-tone. So, a couple of years ago, I installed NoMoRobo to cut down on the number of robo-calls and other nuisance incoming calls. It has made a huge difference, and -- since it is a land-line -- it's free. (If you want to install it on a mobile phone, there's a monthly fee). I can tell it's working because when a robo-call comes in, the phone rings once, the caller ID shows "Incoming Call" and then it goes quiet. Calls from my doctor's office, pharmacy still get through, but the sales, scams and other annoying robo-calls do not.

My question: Is the NoMoRobo company making vast sums of money by collecting the rewards for reporting robo-dialers to the Federal Trade Commission? Someone told me that several months ago, and I honestly don't know if it's true or an urban legend. I've tried searching on-line but haven't found the answer.

I ask mostly out of curiosity. If their business model is based on collecting money from the federal government, half of me is cool with that -- IF it cuts down on the daily barrage of interruptions. On the other hand, John's point about getting the FCC to do their fucking job is valid.

Operators standing by...

[MyOwnPeace]

7. THAT was awesome!

Don't want to seem doubtful, but did they REALLY trigger robocalls to those FCC members?
Hope so!

[mitch96]

9. absolutely classic idea!!

All FCC chairpersons, their staff, Ashit Pai and his staff, Whitehouse and staff, Congress and senate, SCOTUS and their staff.. All the phone companies customer service..... and their staff.
Did I miss anyone?? Hopefully someone with the tech skills and a hatred of robocalls will do this...
m

[colsohlibgal]

8. They Are So Annoying

If I don’t recognize the number calling me I won’t answer it. If it is legit they can leave a voicemail.

Some are more dogged than others.

[Traildogbob]

11. Dangerous, more than just annoying

I am embarrassed to admit it but less than 2 months ago I got a call claiming my social security number was compromised and found at a major drug bust in Texas border town. They had my phone number, address, last 4 and claimed to be FBI on their way to my house. (I just got a robo call as I am typing this😡 . They also claimed multiple loans had just been opened under my name. I nearly extracted all my funds from my credit union to stop them. I had to change all account info and credit card, had to spend hours to get my direct deposit for SS, VA injury comp and State retirement, just being on hold for those hours. The Gov was in shut down so it took days of fear to change it all.
Now I just waste all thier time with bullshittery when they call. Like, He just died, my truck has three wheels and 800,000 miles on it or when police fund raiser calls, everyday, I say I gave all my cash to black lives matter to prosecute cops killing unarmed blacks.
Bad thing is I will never contribute to possible real charities like kids and breast cancer etc., these scum scammers just be in jail.

[question everything]

12. I never donate over the phone

Yes, even to my representatives. And they know to mail me their requests by mail. (They, and every singe woman running for the senate because both my senators are women. I really wish they did not share my name.)

Spouse sometimes listens before hanging up. Unless the caller specifically is asking for someone in the home, I hang up. Though I realize that some serious scammers may ask for someone by name.

The worst are the ones aimed at seniors. "We are responding to your inquiry.." hang up. They rely on seniors who may not remember whether they mad an inquiry.

[cp]

14. That was effing Brilliant!

I'm still laughing. He is so good at making complex topics 1) understandable and 2) funny.
Despising robocalls does unite all of us!
Thank you.

[Rhiannon12866]

17. He tackles important issues with his signature humor!

And this is an issue that hits just about everybody - and I agree that this was one of his best!

[OnDoutside]

15. I wonder how he's getting on ?