Issue

Spam and Robocalls are automated calls that often appear to come from local numbers. Typically claiming to sell something, many of these calls are scams, and possibly illegal. While you may receive them on your University phone, these calls are not related to the campus telephone system or the campus network. There   We are ways to minimize the disruption, unable to block these calls as our local and long distance carrier cannot block the original source of these calls. 

Resolution

From Your University Phone

• Hit "Decline" or "Ignore" to send calls from unrecognized numbers directly to voicemail
• Program your phone to forward your calls directly to voicemail
• Clear your Missed calls log if desired

...

Options

• If you are receiving excessive calls, you can report them to ITS by emailing askIT@albany.edu with the incoming phone number(s). This will assist ITS in identifying, confirming and blocking repeat callers.

Additional Information

Actions Taken by ITS 

• Working with our local and long distance carrier to provide better solutions and minimize disruption

FCC Tips to Avoid Scams and Robocalls:

• Do not answer calls from numbers you do not recognize
• If you suspect a spam or robocall, hang up immediately
• Beware of Caller ID: a local number no longer signifies a local caller
• Hang up instead of pushing a button to stop receiving calls. Scammers often use this trick to identify potential targets
• Never respond to any questions, especially those that can be answered "Yes"
• Never give out personal information such as account numbers, Social Security numbers, mother's maiden names, passwords or other identifying information in response to unexpected calls 
• If you get a call from someone claiming to represent a company or a government agency, hang up and call the phone number on your account statement, in the phone book, or on the company's or government agency's website to verify the authenticity of the request. Legitimate sources will usually contact you in writing, particularly if a payment is requested
• Use caution if you are being pressured for information immediately

• ITS can do one of the following:
  • Set up a phone menu on your phone extension requiring callers to press 1 to proceed to call you.  
  • Disconnect your current phone number and assign you to a new phone number.  You will need to advise all of your contacts that you have a new phone number.
• For any of these options, please email ITS at askIT@albany.edu.  Please provide your direct number that is receiving the calls along with which option you would like to move forward with.

More Resources

The Federal Communication Commission (FCC) is working at the federal level to combat robocalls and spoofing (https://www.fcc.gov/about-fcc/fcc-initiatives/fccs-push-combat-robocalls-spoofing)

Robo Calls/Spam: https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/stop-unwanted-robocalls-and-texts

Spoofing: https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/spoofing-and-caller-id