Indiana Attorney General continues battle against robocallers during National Consumer Protection Week

National Consumer Protection Week is March 2 to March 8

To kick off National Consumer Protection Week, Attorney General Todd Rokita is reiterating his commitment to protecting Hoosier consumers, urging them to protect themselves from robocalls and report scams and fraudulent activities to his office’s Consumer Protection Division.   

"Quite often, these robocalls are part of criminal schemes aimed at stealing Hoosiers' identities and taking your hard-earned money,” Attorney General Rokita said. “These annoying and illegal calls are the work of professional scammers looking to prey on unsuspecting victims. Make sure you take the necessary steps to protect yourself when robocallers try to disturb your peace.”  

While technology is flourishing and scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated, here are some tips on how to protect yourself from unwanted robocallers:  

Blocking unwanted calls  

Attorney General Todd Rokita has joined other attorneys general in demanding telephone companies make more call-blocking services available to consumers.  

Below is a non-exhaustive guide to services available today. You can find more information on the FCC’s website: https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/stop-unwanted-calls-and-texts.  

Landline phones  

Some carriers allow you to block a limited quantity of numbers or block anonymous callers. Fees vary, depending on your plan. Contact your service provider for details. Call-blocking gadgets or devices are available for purchase online. Be cautious when dealing with unknown sellers and look at customer reviews and return policies. Most work with landlines, VoIP, DSL and digital voice services. Most require caller ID and/or an internet connection to work.  

Smart phones  

CTIA-The Wireless Association® has compiled a list of call-blocking apps available on iOS and Android smart phones. The list is available at: https://www.ctia.org/consumer-resources/how-to-stop-robocalls . Before you download any app, read the description and customer reviews. 

Also, check your device manual to learn about built-in blocking features.  

Services available through your telephone provider  

Most telephone service providers have some form of blocking services for customers. Call your provider or visit their website for information about available services and fees. 

File a complaint with the FTC 

If you encounter an impostor scam, let the FTC know. File a complaint at ftc.gov or call 1-877-FTC-HELP. 

The FTC works to prevent fraudulent, deceptive and unfair business practices in the marketplace and to provide information to help consumers spot, stop and avoid them. To file a complaint or get free information on consumer issues, visit ftc.gov or call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357); TTY: 1-866-653-4261. Watch a video, How to File a Complaint, at ftc.gov/video to learn more. 

The FTC enters consumer complaints into the Consumer Sentinel Network, a secure online database and investigative tool used by hundreds of civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad. 

File a complaint with the Office of the Attorney General 

If your number is registered on the Indiana Do Not Call list, you can file a Do Not Call complaint about an unwanted text message or call by visiting our website, www.IndianaConsumer.com , click on File A Complaint then on Do Not Call/Text Complaint. If you do not have internet access, you may call (888) 834-9969 to request a complaint form. You can also file a complaint with the Federal Communications Commission at: (888) 225-5322 or www.FCC.gov