Currently, many of the unwanted calls received by consumers are illegal scam calls from outside the United States using a "spoofed" caller ID. This may be the situation with the calls you are receiving. Unfortunately, we do not have the technological resources to trace telephone calls nor do we have the legal authority to initiate wiretaps. The best way to combat these calls is to hang up. Consumers might also receive telemarketing calls from legal telemarketers. If you do not want to receive calls from legal telemarketers, you can join the FTC's
National Do Not Call Registry. If you are on the FTC's Do Not Call registry and have received a call from a legal telemarketer you can
file a complaint.
Scam Calls
Scam calls are fraudulent in nature and involve scammers attempting to acquire money or personal information from the victim. Many scams are based overseas and outside Kentucky's jurisdictional reach. Read further on these scam calls on the FTC's
website.
Spoofing
In this day of advanced technology, telephone numbers may be "spoofed" (i.e. faked) to appear on caller IDs as a legitimate, often local phone number, yet the call is originating from a different location that is nearly impossible to determine. Scammers can spoof any real or fake phone number making it appear that they are calling from your area code, a government entity, any other phone number or even your own phone number.
Limiting Unwanted Calls and Emails
Many service providers offer products that can block some unwanted calls. Check with your telephone provider to see if they offer any of these services. Read further on how to block these calls on the FTC's
website.
Kentucky's Do Not Call Law
Kentucky's No Call Law allows Kentuckians to reduce the number of unwanted telemarketing calls invading the privacy of their homes, with some exceptions. To be protected by the law you may sign up your home and wireless telephone number(s) on the
National Do Not Call Registry. Signing up is FAST, EASY and it is a FREE service to Kentuckians. Kentucky's No Call List is maintained as part of the National Do Not Call Registry. Once you have signed up your home and/or wireless telephone number, you will remain on the No Call list for ever, or until the phone line is disconnected or you ask to be removed.
Kentuckians on the No Call list who receive unwanted telemarketing calls can file a complaint. If you have received an unwanted call after 31 days of being listed on the National Registry please report this call to the FTC.