If you answer a spam call, it could lead to more spam calls. By picking up the phone you are essentially telling robocallers that your number is active and they could in turn sell your number to other telemarketers. It’s important not to answer calls from unknown numbers. If you do happen to answer such a call, hang up immediately.

Here are some steps to take if you answer a spam call.

1. Hang up as soon as you realize it’s a robocall. The less you engage, the better. If you talk or react, the call may be marked as “live,” and you will be subject to more of them.
2. Avoid saying the word “yes” if you can. Many robocalls scams start with a question like “Hello, can you hear me?” to which people may reply “yes” without thinking. They can then store the recording of your confirmation and use it for fraudulent activities. So, avoid saying yes where possible.
3. Avoid following the bot’s instructions. Robocalls sometimes prompt you to take action, such as “press 1 to speak to a live representative” or “press 2 to unsubscribe” and so on. By following instructions, you confirm to the robocallers that you are a potential victim and invite further robocalls. Try to avoid taking action.
4. Report the call to the FTC. You can report robocalls to the Federal Trade Commission at donotcall.gov. By reporting the number which appears on your caller ID, you help the FTC track down the scammers behind the call. The FTC takes the phone numbers you report and releases them to the public each business day. This helps phone carriers and other partners that are working on call-blocking solutions. Reports also help law enforcement identify the people behind illegal calls.
5. Exercise caution. The damage that robocall scams can do is significant. Even if they don’t get your credit card information, they will waste your time. Proceed with caution every time you see an unknown caller ID. If a business is calling you, you can hand up, find their contact number on their website, and call them back to check if the call is legitimate.