I find it easier to send them to voice mail. If they are real they will leave a message.

Shane, I had no idea that this was out there.  Too many people can get trincked into giving out their information if they 'see' that their bank is calling. 

Great advice, I wasn't aware that VOIP users could make their caller ID read however they choose.  I like Randy's solution, I usually do the same - send the call to voice mail and see if they leave a message. 

Thanks for sharing, Shane.

Thanks for bringing this to my attention.  I had no idea!  That is a very dangerous situation.

Randy,

That is what I do most of the time, but sometimes a real caller will not leave a VM.

Ann,

Just 2 days a go, I got a call from "Bank of Hawaii" and the girl said there was an issue with my account and wanted to verify that she was talking to me and wanted my SS#, I told her I will call her back and she hung up...amazing.

Laurie/Marjorie and Doug,

Spoofing emails and caller id's are a problem and unless there are laws against it with serious penalties, it will continue in full force. You're welcome.

I always ask more information than the caller wants to give back :) 

Verify my what? 

who are you? what is your name?  what is your direct number and I'll call you back ... They don't like it. and usually hang up. 

I take alot of information over the phone from my applicants and sometimes I just shake my head at all the information they freely give. 

Angela,

That is a good tip to get telemarketers off the phone. You are right, it is amazing how much info a lot of people freely give and many times they haven't even met you yet.

If you google the phone number I am sure there are others that have received DNC calls.  There are a few websites which track these numbers and will allow you to see the institution behind the call.

The DNC regulations are in your favor, learn them and hold the companies accountable.

Adam,

You are absolutely right about the DNC rules.

There is an effort in Congress right now to make it a federal offense to spoof your CallerID information.  I get this stuff all the time, so I searched for information on whether there was a law.  The 109th Congress had a bill that passed the House but the Senate did not so it died.  The current Congress (110th) has a bill which passed the House by voice vote, and is in committee in the Senate.  I urge everyone who reads this to contact your Senators (especially if yours is on the committee) to pass this in the Senate and get it enacted into law.  Here is the name of the legislation in the Senate:

 S. 704: Truth in Caller ID Act of 2007

Unfortunately those exempt from the DNC list laws (political surveyors, charitible organizations) will probably not be subject to this either.  My search for this info was prompted by the multiple phone calls by the campaign office of the Republican candidate for governor in VA in 2005.  They even called (with a spoofed CallerID) the night of the election and when I protested, the lady simply turned up her volume and said her spiel then hung up.

Dave,

Thanks for sharing the info.

Pbx Phone: Complete Business Phone System

Pbx Phone : Complete Business Phone System

that's good to know. i am switching voip for my new office.

thanks,

cindy

Of course the big boys aren't going to pass such a bill.  Now they can go where they want to, call home with the office number showing, and the Mrs. will think they are at work while they are out playing.  No way they pass that law for some time.

Ok...I'll ask this one time, am I allowed to tell people that I can get them VoIP (with a video phone too-real time, no lag) for just under $25/month, and they can save almost 3 months by paying up front for a year?  Also, you can refer friends to the service and get a small piece of their monthly bill as residual income.  Enough of those and your phone service winds up being free.  Is this ok, or does it violate the rules...if so, delete it.  Somebody write me and let me know about this please.