Register on the National Do Not Call Registry
One of the most effective ways to reduce legitimate telemarketing calls is to register your phone number on the National Do Not Call (DNC) Registry. This is a free service, and once you register, most legal telemarketers must remove your number from their lists.
To register your number:
- Online: Visit
DoNotCall.govand follow the instructions to add your number. You will receive a confirmation email that you must click to complete the registration within 72 hours. - By phone: Call 1-888-382-1222 (TTY: 1-866-290-4236) from the telephone number you wish to register.
It takes approximately 31 days for your number to be fully added to the registry and for telemarketers to comply. If you receive calls from legitimate businesses after this period, you can file a complaint with the FTC.
Report Unwanted Calls to the FTC
The National Do Not Call Registry is a tool for stopping legitimate telemarketers. However, scammers and illegal operators often ignore the list. American Senior Benefits itself has issued a fraud alert, warning consumers that criminals are impersonating their company. Reporting these fraudulent and illegal calls is a vital step in helping law enforcement track down these perpetrators.
To report unwanted calls:
- Online: Visit
DoNotCall.govto file a complaint for calls received from numbers on the registry. - For scam calls: Use
ReportFraud.ftc.govto report calls if you lost money or have information about the scammer. - Information needed: Include the date and time of the call, the number that called you, and any number they asked you to call back. Your reports provide data that helps the FTC identify patterns and take action against illegal callers.
Use Call-Blocking Solutions
The rise of unwanted robocalls has made call-blocking technology a necessary defense. Many smartphone users and landline customers have options to filter or block these spam calls, preventing them from reaching your phone in the first place.
Provider-based call-blocking:
- For mobile users: Most major wireless providers offer their own call-blocking and scam-labeling services. For example, T-Mobile offers Scam Shield, Verizon has Call Filter, and AT&T provides ActiveArmor. Check with your carrier for details on activating these free or low-cost services.
- For landlines: If you use a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phone service, your provider likely offers blocking tools. Traditional landline users can purchase physical call-blocking devices that connect directly to their phone.
Third-party apps:
- Smartphone apps: Popular third-party apps like Nomorobo, RoboKiller, and Truecaller can help filter and block unwanted calls. Search your phone’s app store to compare options and features.
Create an Internal Do-Not-Call Request
While the American Senior Benefits company states it does not call numbers on the Do-Not-Call list, if you believe you have received a call from their representatives, you can explicitly ask them to add you to their internal list. When you receive a call, state clearly that you want your number placed on their company's do-not-call list. Under FCC rules, telemarketers must honor this request immediately.
How to Handle Unwanted Calls vs. Scams
Knowing the difference between a legitimate telemarketing call and a scam is crucial for effective call management. Understanding the nature of the call informs your best course of action.
| Feature | Legitimate Telemarketing Call | Impersonator/Scam Call |
|---|---|---|
| Adherence to Rules | Generally respects the National DNC Registry, hours of calling (8 a.m.–9 p.m.), and company DNC requests. | Consistently disregards the National DNC Registry and often calls outside of legal hours. |
| Caller Behavior | Provides company name and contact information upon request. Will cease contact if you ask to be put on their internal DNC list. | Refuses to provide verifiable information. Might be aggressive or use fear tactics. |
| Information Requested | May ask for information related to products or services, but will not pressure you for sensitive data. | Pressures you to provide personal details, such as your Medicare number, financial information, or Social Security number. |
| Call Type | Can be live agents or compliant robocalls with prior written consent. | Often uses illegal robocalls with prerecorded messages, even without consent. |
| Resolution Path | File a complaint at DoNotCall.gov if they continue to call after 31 days on the registry. |
Hang up immediately and report the call to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. |
Conclusion
Stopping unwanted calls from imposters claiming to be from American Senior Benefits requires a multi-layered approach. By proactively registering on the National Do Not Call Registry, reporting illegal activity to the FTC, and leveraging call-blocking technology, you can significantly reduce these interruptions. Furthermore, knowing how to identify and immediately disconnect from a scammer protects your personal information from potential theft. Taking these steps empowers you to regain control over your phone line and secure your privacy.
Optional Outbound Link
For more comprehensive information on how to handle unwanted calls, including reporting procedures and blocking tools, visit the Federal Trade Commission website.
What are my next steps if the calls continue after I've registered?
If you've registered on the National Do Not Call Registry and the calls persist, especially from potential scammers, your next step should be to report them. File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at DoNotCall.gov or, if a scam is involved, at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. You should also use call-blocking features or apps to prevent future calls from those numbers.
Can I block specific numbers that are calling me?
Yes. Both mobile phones and some landline services allow you to block specific numbers. On a smartphone, you can often do this directly from your recent calls list. For repeated calls from the same number, blocking it can be an effective short-term solution.
What if I accidentally answer a scam call?
If you answer and realize it is a scam call, hang up immediately. Do not engage with the caller, and do not press any numbers to be removed from their list, as this can lead to more unwanted calls. The best practice is to simply hang up and then block the number if possible.
Will the Do Not Call Registry stop all calls?
No, the National Do Not Call Registry will not stop all calls. It is intended to stop calls from legitimate telemarketers. It does not stop calls from political organizations, charities, or companies with whom you have an existing business relationship. Scammers and criminals also intentionally ignore the registry.
What is the difference between a real American Senior Benefits agent and a scammer?
A key difference is how they interact with you. A legitimate American Senior Benefits representative would not pressure you for sensitive information like your Medicare number over an unsolicited call. Scammers often use aggressive tactics, urgency, and deceit to try and steal your information. American Senior Benefits has publicly acknowledged that scammers are impersonating their company.
What information should I never give out over the phone?
You should never provide personal or financial information to an unsolicited caller. This includes your Medicare number, Social Security number, banking details, or credit card numbers. Legitimate organizations will not ask for this type of information during an unprompted call.
How long does it take for the Do Not Call Registry to take effect?
After you register your phone number, it can take up to 31 days for most legitimate telemarketing calls to cease. It's important to remember that this time frame only applies to companies that legally adhere to the registry.
Is there a fee to register for the Do Not Call Registry?
No, registering your phone number on the National Do Not Call Registry is completely free. If anyone calls asking you to pay to be added to the list, it is a scam.
