How to stop and block robocalls
Robocalls are automated calls with a menu, often in an English robot voice, that try to extract your money or personal data. You can't block them in advance - if in doubt don't answer, hang up, block the number and report it to the ACM. Never share details and never transfer money.
"This is an important message about your account…" - a robot voice, a menu, and an urgent request. Robocalls are mass-scale and persistent, but a few habits will limit the damage.
What are robocalls?
They are pre-recorded, automated calls, often with a menu and an English-language robot voice. They claim, for example, an urgent payment or a refund, with the aim of stealing your money or data.
Why you can't block them in advance
Full prevention doesn't exist: you usually only recognise a robocall after you've answered. On top of that, scammers often spoof known numbers (such as your bank's), so blocking indiscriminately can also block legitimate contact - verify the real source first.
How to stop them
Hang up as soon as you recognise a robocall - don't engage and don't press any key. Block the number afterwards. Report unwanted calls to the ACM (the Dutch Authority for Consumers & Markets).
Don't call unknown foreign numbers back, never share login or personal details over the phone, and don't install software at a caller's request.
For business owners: limit unwanted approaches
Is your company in the Business Register? Request a Non-Mailing Indicator (NMI) via handelsregistermail@kvk.nl, so your details may not be used for advertising. Sole proprietorships and partnerships get extra protection against unsolicited commercial approaches.
Report spam and violations to the ACM, and use a Google Alert to keep an eye on where your business details surface online.
Check unknown numbers
Unsure about a recurring number? Look it up in the Calmido Directory and see whether others have already reported it as a robocall or spam.
Keep getting calls from the same robot number? Look it up in the Calmido Directory and report it.
Open the Calmido Directory