Who Created Robo-Calls?

The first robo-calls reared their ugly head during a political campaign in January 1983. It was introduced by business owner Tony Inocentes who had a telemarketing machine to announce his political candidacy in California. In 2023 scams look like romance interest, grandparent scams, mortgage closing scams, lottery prizes, and much more. With the upcoming IRS tax season and holiday gift-giving season, be cautious about sharing your credit card info and passwords. Check on senior citizens and young family members who aren't aware of the newest scams. Teens might have been targeted by scammers offering to use their Temu referral codes. These codes promise Fortnite skins or free Roblox Robux. Fortnite skins and Robux must be purchased in-game with real money.

If you have been scammed contact and file with IC3 complaint. After you file a complaint with the IC3, the information is reviewed by an analyst and forwarded to federal, state, local, or international law enforcement or regulatory agencies with jurisdiction, as appropriate. Another option is calling (202) 324-3000, or go online at www.fbi.gov or tips.fbi.gov. Contact the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General at 1-800-HHS-TIPS, or online at www.oig.hhs.gov. Scammers calling and texting can be located anywhere in the world and are difficult to track down. But, it's good to know if they're caught they could face up to $10,000 for each violation. Under the Truth in Caller ID Act, FCC rules prohibit anyone from transmitting misleading or inaccurate caller ID information with the intent to defraud, cause harm, or wrongly obtain anything of value.