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

Report a Spam or Robocall

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:

...

• 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