AGEWISE: Avoiding scams in online dating | Local News | #datingscams | #lovescams

This may seem like a lot but remember, but these tips can help make dating safer and more enjoyable. Once you have a plan in place to date safely, remember that it’s normal to feel nervous. Take a deep breath, relax, and enjoy the experience.

Q: For a while it seemed like I wasn’t receiving as many automated calls, but all of a sudden, my phone won’t stop ringing again. How can I reduce the number of robocalls I get? — WH

Answer: If you answer the phone and hear a recorded message instead of a live person, it’s a robocall. It’s not surprising that you noticed receiving fewer of these irritating calls for a while. Due to the pandemic, many call centers were closed and the average number of robocalls dropped from 5.5 billion per month to 2.8 billion. As many companies have reopened operations, the current average number of calls per month is 5 billion and growing toward pre-pandemic numbers quickly.

It is important to keep in mind that not all robocalls are bad. They may be annoying, but not necessarily illegal. Many businesses and organizations like doctors’ offices and public school systems use robocalls to share important updates and information like weather cancellations and appointment reminders. However, the Federal Trade Commission states that “a robocall that is trying to sell you something is illegal, unless the company has written permission from you to call you that way.”